Mountains have been used throughout the years to illustrate many of life's situations. It has been used to illustrate pinnacles of success or difficulties in life that we are facing continually. I have referenced in previous posts about mountain-climbers and emphasized that we need to realize that, as Christians, we never climb alone. Notice the words of this song:
"What's that up ahead? It looks like another mountain I must climb. Just one more of many mountains, but I'm sure that I'm---gonna make it just like all the others. It won't trouble my mind, as I stand here at this mountain, I know that soon it will be left behind.
I'm a mountain climber, but I never climb alone. There's One Who's always with me and the way He has always shown. So, together we'll climb the mountain, thou it seems to reach the sky. This mountain will soon be conquered by the Mountain Climber and I." (George J. Lewis)
Recently, a friend gave me the following. It is practical tips to facing the problems of life and parallels a scripture found in Eph 6:13-18
INSTRUCTIONS FOR MOUNTAIN CLIMBERS FROM THE MASTER CLIMBER
My son, my daughter, before you set out to climb Mt. Pisgah’s lofty heights, you will need certain tools and equipment for your journey. Let us first consider the proper footwear for mountain climbing. They must be durable, yet flexible, not too heavy or too light, but just right. You may purchase the right fit for you at the shop called "Gospel of Peace". All climbers who have purchased them there have been will prepared for the climb and were able to stand fast at every point on the mountain wall. They never had their feet cut on the jagged rocks, and if need be, could walk and not grow weary, or run and faint. Yes, I highly recommend that you come prepared with the shoes from the "Gospel of Peace". In fact, it will be a requirement for the trip. You will learn that one shoe is named "Trust" and the other "Obey”.
Then, of course my children, you will need a varied assortment of tools for "holding on”. In fact, in some places on the mountain wall there will be no foothold at all. However, you must not be afraid, for you will have just the right tools for making a foothold where there is none. Here, 1 will give you all the tools you will need for holding on. You will need the "mountain pick" whose name is "steadfast", a most valuable tool when you must hold steady in one place because it would be too dangerous to move. If you use it well, it will hold you quite steady 'til you can see your way clear to proceed. Another most important tool for mountain climbing is the “spikes" of “faithfulness”. You will be able to drive them into the mountain wall to make a foothold where there is none. You will drive them in firmly and securely with the hammers of "belief" and "determination". If you are careful to drive them in deeply with the proper hammers, the "spikes of faithfulness" are quite trustworthy and will provide you with steps, all the way up the mountain, if need be,
Now, you will need your hands well covered with just the right material for gripping. The material of "righteousness" will be perfect for making gloves for this. Because prayers are necessary, the righteous man’s prayers availeth much. Oh yes, my children, the material of righteousness will help you to get a good grip on the things that are eternal. In fact, you will want just the right clothing for all your body. Mountain-climbing clothing, you know, are “garments of praise", Among them you will find such articles as "rejoice evermore", "rejoice always", and "again I say rejoice". If you are completely covered with these garments, you will find that you will be well fortified, and you can rest assured that they will hold you in good stead no matter how long, how steep, or how high the climb. Such garments will endure forever,
DAY FOR THE CLIMB
My children, let us now review. I see you have purchased your boots of "Trust" and "Obey" from the "Gospel of Peace" Shop, and you have brought all the tools I gave you for "holding on", and I see you are clad in your "garments of praise." I am especially pleased to see you are wearing your articles of rejoicing. During the climb, you will be wise to never take off any of the clothing. They will be needed for every moment of the climb. Finally, my children, you'll never, never make the climb without the mountain- climber's ropes. Here! Take these ropes called "cords of love". Secure them well around your waist and use them well on the journey. A wise climber must never feel brave enough to take off his rope. The rope is your lifeline. For, my beloved, the other end will be tied to me. In fact, I will be just ahead of you as you climb. You must tie these cords of love around you, then pass them on to the next climber, and so on 'til all who would follow you up the mountain are tied with the cords of love. Be careful not to miss one or they may fall to their death during the climb.
Remember. I am at the head, and you have nothing to fear if you will follow all my instructions. Now, let us CLIMB THE MOUNTAIN! (Donna J. Gregory)
I hope you have blessed day and remember that no matter how difficult life gets, we can make it because of the One with Whom we are "climbing".
