Speed Bumps and Mountains

What do I know? 

Sometimes, life throws you small speed bumps and sometimes they are mountains so large, you can’t even see the peak and the climb seems scary and daunting.
I know that sometimes He has to make me slow down with a mountain, because the speed bump just doesn’t cut it.
I know God uses ALL circumstances for our good and for the good of those around us.
This is what I know.

I have been dealing with speed bumps. They didn’t feel like that. They felt bigger. Oh, but isn’t it all about perspective? Just this week, I heard of a sweet friend who has a large mountain to climb. We are talking about a tough ascent that, I’ll be honest, doesn’t seem fair.

And in a way, I know her mountain, or at least, I have faced that rough climb with someone I love. God was very present there and all praise to Him that we were able to find a way to circle around it with His help. It still looms in the background, and I’d love to say that it doesn’t seem as scary and daunting as it once did, but sometimes it can steal my joy. We try to remember that it is a challenge that we may have to move forward on some day and remind ourselves that He’s on that mountain too.

But, for right now, I watch my friend. This mountain is not one she can circle around. It’s a climb. Long, difficult, and overwhelming in it’s scope. So, my speed bumps aside, I’m now reminded of a lesson I learned back when that mountain was overshadowing us. He is present. He is present in the trial and the fear. He is present in the friends that surround us and the words they speak over us. He is present in the quiet, dark, night time hours that seem to stretch forever, when all the lies and fears come out of hiding to tease and torment you. He is PRESENT. And it is our job to be present with Him.

Looks like God is showing me another way to apply my “Wait WITH God and not just FOR God” lesson. Here is my friend, having to wait and see. But, as she and her family wait, all of us, can be present in person or in prayer and let them know that they are not waiting alone. They are not walking alone. We can be Christ “with skin on” for her.

God has given me two passages, in the midst of this news of scary mountains.
Psalm 107:19.
“Lord, help!”, they cried in their troubles and he saved them from their distress.” 

The Lord is always good. He doesn’t always make sense to us, but we must remember that he is good. Always. Fear wants to get a hold of us, but perfect love casts out all fear. (1 John 4:18) When our heart is trembling and shaken to its core, the Spirit can help us turn to him and find peace. The storms will toss our soul with fear and anger as we wrestle with the unknown. We put up a front of strength on the outside, but we are trembling on the inside, dealing with the thoughts in our head.
“How? What now? Am I strong enough? What about those I love?” It can almost be impossible to find the anchor and the solid ground. But, He does hear us. He is with us. Always. And that anchor gives peace in the midst of the storm.

Matthew 4:24
“They brought to him all who were sick with various diseases…and he cured them.”

You should never climb a mountain by yourself, right? Everything is easier with others beside you. And sometimes, they’ve made the trip before. What a wealth of wisdom is there.
Matthew tells of those suffering and says that Jesus was curing those who were brought to him.

Key word… brought.

Jesus has the power to heal. He is God. Yet, I love the fact, that in this case, the main thing I saw was that people were healed because someone else brought them to Jesus. They knew that something needed to be done for their friend and they stepped out in faith. When you bring someone to Christ asking him to heal them, you know what he can do. You petition Jesus on their behalf. You speak freely, telling him about this person and your concerns. And that person may be healed (physically or spiritually), but regardless, you know that you are doing the most important thing you can think of. You are bringing them to Christ.

But, those who were bringing the sick to Jesus were also being transformed. This process didn’t just heal their friend. God was working on them too. There is something incredible happening in the unselfish gift of opening up and giving your faith in Christ to others. In sharing what you’ve learned about the Lord with your friends, you are saying, “Come see what I’ve seen! Come meet this man. I think he can help. I’ve seen wondrous deeds. I’ve heard him speak. You have got to meet him!” You are climbing the mountain with them. It strengthens both of you.

If you have someone with a huge cross to carry, pick up one side and help them lessen the load. Show them that Christ is present by being present to them. Wait with them. Pray with them. Bring them to Christ in your prayers.

And, if you are the one with the mountain overshadowing you, he hears your cries. He is with you. Seek him in the darkest hours and feel his love in those around you waiting to help. You are loved dearly!

XOXO,
Barb