There is something in nature I cannot explain that refreshes me. The surroundings of nature give me the tranquility. I called it my “stress-reliever” when I cooked barbeque on bonfire and slept in a tent. I am not a pro at hiking, especially when my left foot got injured and has a tear on the ligament and go through for a long-term treatment. But the desire to go for a hike is strong, and by God’s grace I did it, at least, at a minimal level.
The fresh air in the morning, chirping of the birds, quietness in the night while gazing up at the stars above around the bonfire give me a sense of peace. I did not climb to a significant mountain so far, and perhaps never will. The longest hike I did was in Siffleur Falls. It is in David Thompson Country which is nearby in Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada. Head out on around 14 kilometers out-and-back trail. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, which gave me a reason to go there twice. And my heart could not contain the beautiful and amazing view on the top of the falls.
The course of life is like hiking or climbing to the mountain. There are difficulties along the journey. Some trails are steep and difficult to traverse the path towards the most longing view on top. And some areas are easy to take. It is the very essence of life. We cannot define life without challenges and a smooth sailing season. But the undeniable thing we can ask ourselves is how we navigate those seasons in life. Our response is so critical, whether it is on a treacherous road, or in an unbroken pathway. It reveals us to whom we trust for us not to wonder around and go astray.
Miracle in the Mountain
Today, I want to share a bit of my friend’s story. Many years ago, when I posted something on a buy and sell for free, someone messaged me asking for the items. And I responded. Since then, we became friends. I believed it was God who made our path crossed on social media. And later on, I have found out that she is battling a stage 4 bone cancer. It is an echo in my heart when the word cancer is on the subject. I had two beloved friends, whom I considered my second mothers in the church, who both died of cancer.
This weekend, it was our church ladies’ retreat, the messaged was so powerful and strong. The Spirit of God prompted me in so many ways and words, reflecting my walk with Him. Asking myself the things that I am doing, in what areas of my walk, do I really care what God is asking me to do for others? And one of them brought me to my friend’s battle with cancer. Over the time, I steadily know her and the struggles that she’s been through for years. And I cannot believe how she would take in everything. Knowing that she is not battling a cancer alone but in her marriage too.
One thing I wonder for the past years, God sent me a group of women who have a similar battle that I have been through. I have told God, “Why me…I am not qualified because I am a divorced Christian…” God doesn’t call the qualified but He qualifies the called. Sounds cliché. Truly, we are called to comfort to those who are suffering just as what we had suffered. The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 1:3-6, NKJV, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ. “
Often, we neglect the most obvious answer that we’ve been questioning ourselves for reaching out to others. Sometimes we go far beyond our reach. Just look around your neighbor, friends near you and even your family. Although this friend of mine was completely a stranger to me, God made a way for us to know each other and spent time together. I am astounded by her ability to do things despite of her physical ailment. I have told her, “God has already showed you His miracle. Taking care of your two kids, waking up every single day and meet the needs of your kids alone are God’s miracle. And even hiking the Mount Robson.” Seeing these things that she would have done is God’s miracle.
I don’t know what God’s plan on her life and even for her physical needs. But one thing is for sure, He has a purpose and plan for her greatest spiritual healing and calling. She might walk on the trail of difficulty, but God’s hands spread out the miracle for her to walk calmly. There is always a miracle in the mountain.
Peace on the Mountain
Mountains are artistically beautiful. But many people hardly climbed it. You must have the prime grit to do it. And they figuratively symbolized it with our adversaries in life. But the mountains will bring peace to the people (Psalm 72:3). When you’re on the top of the mountain, there’s an overwhelming sense of freedom and peace after all the hard climb. Likewise, you find yourself surrounded by an absolute silence. Nature, such as the mountain, has a consequential encouragement to really live in the moment, forgetting the immense stresses of daily life. It teaches us to look beyond what appears to our eyes.
God talked many times about mountains in the Bible. Often, He encountered His people on the mountain, such as He did to Moses at Mount Sinai in the book of Exodus. Also, Jesus mentions in Matthew 17:20 and Matthew 21:21 that with unwavering faith, we can move mountains.
When we think about mountains, we may feel terrified and look into danger. We signify it with difficulties and darkness. Although, it is part of our journey and we must have the faith to climb over to the top. By faith, it brings us the victory and depicts inner elevation of our spiritual healing. Just like my friend, by faith and God’s grace, she keeps climbing the mountain even if it is exhausting and has no strength left to go forward. But God has given her His strength to walk step by step. Remember this: There is always peace on the mountain with your unshakeable faith.
“But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31, NKJV.
“So Jesus answered and said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but also if you say to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ it will be done. And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.” Matthew 21:21-22