A few years ago, I had the privilege of embarking on a journey to climb one of the renowned mountains in Xinning, a city located in Tibet, China. This expedition was organized by the mission team in my church, and it proved to be an exhilarating yet nerve-wracking adventure. Our primary objective was to reach the highest summit, where we engaged in intercession for The people. The trip was quite lengthy, accompanied by our knowledgeable guide and his two four-year-old twin boy and girl. Remarkably, this family possessed an intimate familiarity with the safest and most optimal route to the peak, even the young children.

Each member of our team had their own unique encounters and experiences during this undertaking. Today, it is a privilege to share the invaluable lessons I learned from this remarkable journey.

The ascent to the mountaintop varied greatly among individuals, with some reaching the summit within a matter of minutes, while others required almost half a day or longer to complete the journey. It served as a reminder that we all have different capabilities and that comparing ourselves to others based on their speed was unwise.

2 Corinthians 10:12 King James Version (KJV)For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.

Unaware of the distance required to reach the peak, I found myself becoming increasingly fatigued and thirsty as I progressed, reaching a point of exhaustion halfway through. However, I held onto my faith, firmly believing that I had the capacity to overcome these challenges and complete the climb.

Throughout the journey, our guide provided constant encouragement to our team, while he and his kids appeared strong and resilient. It made me reflect on how God strategically places people in our lives to offer support and encouragement during our own personal journeys. When we find ourselves overwhelmed and on the verge of giving up, or when we doubt our ability to achieve our dreams, we must recognize that it is not solely our own strength that sustains us. We require not only strength but also passion, encouragement, resilience, and the presence of others. God understands our needs at every juncture in life.

His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness (2 Peter 1:3; NIV)

As we made our way up the mountain, we noticed the presence of foot holes left by those who had traversed the path before us. These individuals may have faced challenges, such as slipping, falling, or twisting an ankle, but their efforts resulted in the creation of safe foot holes for future climbers like us. These established paths served as clear guides for us to follow, even though some of us still experienced struggles and difficulties along the climb. It was remarkable to realize that half of our problems seemed to have been resolved even before we embarked on the journey. Sometimes, instead of tirelessly trying to forge new paths, we simply needed to avail ourselves of the steps already laid down by those who came before us.

These foot holes were not all the same, they varied in depth and stability. Some were firmly embedded in the hard, compacted earth, offering a solid footing, while others were flaky and prone to crumbling. It was crucial for us to purposefully plant our feet in the deeper foot holes to maintain balance and prevent ourselves from falling off the path.

Psalm 37:23-24 KJVThe steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: And he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: For the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.

Some hills were easy to climb while others were difficult to. Recognizing the importance of seeking help and support when needed is a crucial lesson that emerged from our journey. There are times in life when we encounter challenges or feel overwhelmed, and it is essential to be willing to cry out for assistance. We should not let pride or self-sufficiency hinder us from reaching out for help from others. Just as we needed guidance from our guide and the foot holes left by previous climbers, we must understand that we don’t have to face our struggles alone. By reaching out and asking for help, we open ourselves up to the possibility of receiving the support and guidance necessary to overcome obstacles and continue moving forward. It is an act of vulnerability and strength to acknowledge our limitations and seek assistance from others when needed.

And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver. thee, and thou shalt glorify me. Psalm 50:15

Interestingly, the guide’s young children possessed lungs adapted to the high altitudes, a quality we lacked. As we ascended higher, we grew increasingly drained, while the children effortlessly coped with the thin air. It would have been in fact, foolish for me to compare myself to these four-year-olds at that moment, as they possessed an innate ability that surpassed our own capabilities.

During this journey, we were required to let go of our pride entirely. It was a surprising realization that even in familiar surroundings, we might find ourselves in need of guidance from a child. Regardless of our position as leaders, we all have weaknesses and fears that can affect our circumstances. It is crucial to set aside our fear and insecurity, acknowledging that in life, we may require assistance and support, even if it comes from someone seemingly less experienced or of a lower position. We must remember the story of the humble servant girl who guided her master to seek healing from Elijah. It teaches us not to underestimate others or look down upon them. Instead, we should be willing to offer our help to our leaders in areas that may appear effortless for us.

Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you” (James 4:10).

A few among us also harbored a fear of heights, which had the potential to hinder our progress on the journey. When fear takes hold, productivity and the realization of our goals can seem like distant dreams rather than attainable realities. However, our guide played a pivotal role in alleviating our fears. He guided us with precision, showing us the exact spots to place our feet and the optimal grips to maintain balance and prevent falls. Each step he advised us to take proved reliable, reinforcing our trust in his expertise. Even when doubts arose, he presented us with various options, ensuring that we had choices to navigate through uncertain moments.

I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. This poor man called, and the Lord heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles. Psalm 34:4-8

There was another critical moment when I found myself on the verge of slipping off the path. However, I was fortunate to have my companions surrounding me at that moment. They held me up whilst I struggled to grip the earth. This experience reminded me of the importance of walking with like-minded individuals. When we venture alone, we may easily become discouraged along the way and lack the support needed when we stumble or fall. However, when we journey alongside people who share our goals and values, they can provide a helping hand when we are in danger of falling. Together, we strengthen and uplift each other throughout the journey, constantly inspiring one another.

And Just as the Bible teaches, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another,” the journey allowed us to discover new aspects of our character and virtues we didn’t know we possessed. We overcame our fears and pushed beyond our perceived limitations. There were moments when it seemed impossible to take the next step, but we persisted, trying over and over again. Despite stumbling and falling at times, we quickly picked ourselves up and continued onwards, fueled by resilience and determination.

Jude 1:24 Now all glory to God, who is able to keep you from falling away and will bring you with great joy into his glorious presence without a single fault.

Finally, after what seemed like forever, we got up there! Hurray!

The joy and fulfillment that radiated from our faces upon reaching our destination was indescribable. The experience of praying at the mountaintop was unlike anything we had encountered before. There was a sense of peace and tranquility, as if there was no resistance in our communication with God. We were able to witness the breathtaking landscapes and observe people going about their daily activities from a unique vantage point.

Fellowship took on a whole new meaning in that serene environment. We felt the presence of God in a profound way amidst the silence and stillness of the mountaintop. Our prayers resonated with a deeper intensity as we sought His will to be manifested on earth, just as it is in heaven. It was a moment of unity and connection with our Creator, where our hearts aligned with His purpose and desires.

In that sacred space, we experienced a glimpse of the beauty and majesty of God’s creation. We were reminded of His sovereignty and the intricate details He has woven into every aspect of the world. It was a humbling experience that filled us with awe and reverence.

As we descended from the mountaintop, our hearts were filled with gratitude and a renewed sense of purpose. The journey had tested our strength, faith, and perseverance, but it had also enriched our spirits and deepened our relationship with God. We carried the memories and lessons learned from this remarkable journey, knowing that we were forever changed by the experience.

The mountaintop served as a reminder that there are moments in life when we can rise above the challenges and distractions of the world and connect with something greater. It reminded us of the importance of seeking God’s higher perspectives, literally, to gain clarity and renewed inspiration.

May we always remember the Journey and the mountaintop experience, cherishing the moments of communion with God and striving to bring His kingdom to earth, just as it is in heaven.

God bless you