I saw a wind-blown stark mountain range with peaks that touched the sky. I trekked across this mountain range on a bleak trail that offered no protection from the elements. I knew that once I made it across this mountain, another one followed. What I didn’t know was how far the destination was. Then I saw a train burst forth from the side of the mountain. I jumped on without thinking, ready to go anywhere but my current location.
A sick feeling twisted in my gut, and I had a deep understanding that I was not supposed to be on this train. I was meant to be on the trail I had just left. On the trail, God had planned for me before time began, tough lessons to learn.
Yet here I was hurtling away from that mountain at neck breaking speed. I looked over the edge and saw that I was on an impossibly high bridge that seemed to never end. What could I do? I couldn’t jump off. Jumping wasn’t an option.
Now what?
Could I tell the train to stop?
Then I heard the Lord say, “Yes, daughter. Tell the train to stop and do the hard work of climbing down the pylons of the bridge and take the trek back to the mountain. Do not short circuit what I have ordained for you to teach you the deep and difficult things of God.”
***
Help us God, so we don't choose the runaway train.
Many times, I want to ask to be done with the conflict that is causing so much strife. But I’m reluctant to say this same strife also causes growth in my spiritual walk.
Do you ever ask to be on an easier path?
Humble yourself before the Lord and ask, what am I learning today even in these difficult times? Because sometimes the only time we can learn is through difficult things. Comfortable situations do little to help equip and embolden our characters. In fact, we become bland and lethargic.
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.” (James 1:5-6, NIV)
If you are anything like me, you’d choose to jump from one hurtling train to the next without considering the consequences. And then I have the gall to even complain about the mess that I created. Ludicrous behavior. But unfortunately, sometimes I repeat mistakes instead of asking for wisdom. Costing what? I’m not even sure of all the consequences — time for sure, money, relationship?
Thank God that we serve a generous, kind, and faithful Lord that will never leave us or forsake us.
Prayer for you and me: Lord, grant us Your wisdom to know when to stay on the difficult path and when to jump off. Left to our own devices, we’d do the opposite of what is good for us. Thank You, for Your faithful, steadfast guidance. Help us navigate the mountain or cast it into the sea. Whichever is Your plan, that’s what we want for ourselves and our children’s lives. Amen.
“He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” (Matt. 17:20, NIV)