Our objective was to be near the top by sunrise. The three of us made little conversation during the drive that morning. Once we unloaded, we didn’t think the first half looked to be as difficult as we had initially thought. But, it was dark, the air was thin, it was cool and it was an uphill climb. We were not quite to the summit when the sun began to rise over the next range. We sat down and took it all in.
For anybody who has not climbed a mountain, the view is breathtaking. This morning did not disappoint us, but fully rewarded us for our hard work. Sometimes this is how seasons are in our walk with the Lord. The preparing can feel stressful and full of hesitation and the journey can be exhausting, even more than we might have thought. But once we reach the end result, the impact is amazing, breathtaking and more beautiful than we could ever have thought or imagined. It would be great if my story ended here, but it doesn’t.
When we returned to our truck we found it vandalized. We were mortified. Ok, to be honest, they just didn’t like where we parked and maybe we could have found a better spot. We cleaned up the truck and did not speak about it the rest of the day. We made a decision this would not steal our joy of conquering Mt. Baldy. Isn’t that just how the enemy is? We achieve victory and he wants to creep in and steal our joy.
What is your next project, goal or thing the Lord is calling you to? To paraphrase Philippians 3:14, press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called you heavenward in Christ Jesus. It will be beautiful! Be prepared to stay focused, and don’t let the enemy steal your joy. How? By keeping your eye on the true prize, Jesus.
Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Philippians 3:12
