Shouldering up against a mountain as I had done many times before. Pushing and shoving until I could do no more. Pausing to catch a breath, I checked for progress, but again, no. It had been an exercise in patience, prayer, and faith (or lack thereof). I felt like a young Jedi, standing on my hands lifting small stones while doubting my ability to raise the ship, because “I don’t believe it.” The Master said, “That is why you failed.” Imagine gospel truth coming from a little green puppet to the seats of a 1977 movie theater.
Smaller rocks had shifted, but this mountain pushed back with a vengeance, so I stepped away to gain some perspective. Hearing a rumble over my shoulder, I turned to see the mountain had moved – not by my efforts, but of He who formed the mountains. My widened eyes lifted to the heavens in gratitude and wonder of the miracle before me. Amazement faded as my focus returned to the earth and the chasm left in the mountain’s wake. Excitement of a victory became fear of crossing the freshly cut ravine.
In the presence of a miracle, why am I drawn toward the trouble that lies beyond its shadow? The question itself reveals the answer – “lies”. The Deceiver tears away our focus from the Greatness of God at every opportunity. When the Lord graciously empties a “worry bucket”, it quickly fills with ever-present anxiety and fear of the days to come. “Well, that may have been a neat party trick, but what about all this other stuff?”
On a roller-coaster ride from mountain peak to valley’s depth, the Lord whispered, “Trust Me in this, watch what I will do.” With a fragile breath I replied, “OK”. Fear subsided for a moment but quickly returned. He said again, “Watch what I will do”, and again and again.
Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous be shaken. Psalm 55:22
But I am a bit shaken, so here are my burdens, all too heavy for me to carry. Just know there are more where they came from.
He replied, “I’m a big God, I can handle it. I will raise the road to meet your feet or carry you across the depths. Trust Me.”
But you, God, will bring down the wicked into the pit of decay; the bloodthirsty and deceitful will not live out half their days. But as for me, I trust in you. Psalm 55:23
If these words have been a blessing, pass them along to another who needs to hear. If you would like to read more, follow the link above or email me at John@LiftedKeys.com and we can find a way.
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