I’ve never climbed a mountain, which is a good thing. I still remember having to ride my bike up a steep hill on the way to school – it left me breathless (and not because of the scenery) and my legs all but exploded. And it happened every time – it never got any easier! I can’t imagine what climbing a mountain would be like! But I do know this about mountains – they can make for some beautiful scenery, and the view from the top is breath-taking.

But when the mountains  are in the middle of the road upon which we’re walking, they’re anything but beautiful. In fact, they’re downright ugly, standing there blocking our path. They’re nothing but a huge obstacle that keeps us from enjoying our walk and that slows our progress.

Often the issues, problems or situations with which we deal stretch out over an extended period of time – months or even years. The longer they last the bigger they become –  like a huge mountain that  blocks our road.  We are stunned when the mountain first appears on the horizon; so we stir up our positive juices and claim we’ll make it to the other side all right. Then we began to climb, and soon we we are breathless and even feel like we’ll explode. Suddenly we aren’t so sure we’ll be able to continue the walk. After all, the mountain is too high, to broad, too imposing. The next thing we know, we’re in the valley, looking up, wondering if we’ll make it to the other side. (But let’s not forget that even in the valley, we’re OK. Even though I walk through the valley…You are with me…”)

We’re not alone. Israel knew all about mountains. So did Isaiah (49:11): “I will turn all my mountains into roads, and my highways will be raised up.” Or as the New Living Translation puts it: “And I will make my mountains into level paths for them. The highways will be raised above the valleys.” “God will make a way when there seems to be no way…!” If we believe that the mountains and the hills are His, then we can believe He knows the way through and will be faithful as we walk together. God will raise us up or lower the mountain – but one way or another He’ll get us out of the valley and make a straight way.  I even have a sneaky feeling that because of the mountain, we’ll appreciate the beauty on the other side even more. So whatever your mountain, walk on – keep climbing.

As Don Moen wrote: “God will make a way when there seems to be no way. He works in ways we cannot see; He will make a way for me. He will be my guide, hold me closely to His side. With love and strength for each new day; He will make a way, He will make a way.”