Next Step

On your journey through life, there will be mountains of various sizes. Some will be more like hills while others are more like the tallest and hardest ones you have ever faced. These can feel or look like an Everest in your life. I do not know how much you know about Everest, but I bet that you at least know the danger with such a climb. No ordinary person can go climb Mount Everest. To climb Mount Everest and reach the summit, you must be in incredible shape not just physically; but, emotionally, and psychologically. It takes intense training and a step by step process to get from the base of the mountain to the summit. Training takes a year, at least. Training includes not only climbing conditioning; but also, strength training for the lower body and core, cardiovascular training with and without pack weight, and flexibility training.

When the training is complete, it is time to take the climb. Again, there is a process. There is a step by step climbing protocol to ensure your best chance of making it to the top. Like a climber who trains for the climb of Everest, God trains us for each encounter in our lives, even the Everests. Every experience that we go through is an opportunity to grow stronger and be more prepared for whatever the next step is God has for us. There is spiritual, emotional, and psychological training that occurs as God shapes us to be more like His son.

Romans 8:28-29 (NIV)

28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[a] have been called according to his purpose. 29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.

Today, I stand at the base camp of my Everest. In just a few days, I will begin the climb that God has tasked me with. The climb will not be easy. The climb will be a process of baby steps to reach the summit. I will be emotionally, psychologically, and spiritually tested in every way possible. I have no idea the time length it will take to be at the Summit. I have no idea the things God will show me in the process. Though I see ways this mountain will help me grow, I do not know all that God is using this for in my future. I am, however, learning to trust that He has a plan and purpose for every experience, tear, success, failure, and opportunity that comes my way, even the Everests.

Here you are at the base camp of the mountain that God has allowed to be placed in your path. You could either turn around and refuse the trial or you can face the mountain head on. You may not know what each part of the mountain will bring. You may not know who you will lose along the way. You may have no idea what it will help you be more prepared for in the future. I can not promise that you will always be prepared for the mountains you must climb; but, I can promise you that if you face the trial allowing the strength of God to empower you, that you will come out of this trial stronger and more like Christ than you ever have before. You may not always be prepared for the trials in your path, but the weapons needed to climb your mountains is always right at your fingertips.

Isaiah 41:10 (ESV)

10 fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

The discouragement of the path ahead is really easy to find. Throughout my life, I have neglected a mountain I have needed to climb. The fear of opening up to someone about everything that needed healing from my childhood, kept me suppressing my traumas and "dealing" with it on my own. For years I have tended to the wound in unhealthy ways. Last semester, I learned healthier ways to cope; but, now it is time for the next step and that is my Everest. My next step is acting upon the clear signs from God that I need professional guidance to heal. The wound I carry will need to be opened. Dirt will need to be scooped out. Alcohol will need to be poured over it. There will be pain and it will definitely get worse before it gets better; but, it will get better.

There will be intensive training that God will put you through to be prepared to make the climb. There will be times of waiting on God to say you are ready to take the next step or maybe just need to trust him to give you the strength you need. God does not give us anything we can not handle with the help of His word, His spirit, and His people.

Whether you are just starting your journey up the mountain or continuing the hike, I want to encourage you to look to the future. Focus on the day when all of this mountain's dangers will be behind you. Focus on the day that you reach the summit; because, one day you will reach the summit. One day you will look over the beautiful breath-taking view on the top of the mountain and you will be in awe. You will see the beauty of the horizon you would not have seen from the base camp. You will see the reason you needed such intense training. You will be blown away by the work of art God has made of your life. Finally, you will be one step closer to being the person that God wants you to be. What is the next step you must take to be the man or woman that God is calling you to be?