6-5-17<\/p>\n
Mountaintop experiences. We yearn for them. Many of us have experienced them. Ministers promise them.<\/p>\n
Significantly, Jesus did not promise them, not all the time; very seldom, in fact. His ministry was about meeting us where we are, as we are. When we are spiritually transformed we are not promised a transfiguration to a mountaintop except, perhaps, in poetic terms. But even then, it it clear that the Lord wants us, when called, to stay where we are, or go where He wants us, and do His work\u2026 sometimes to live and work in places far removed from any semblance of an exalted mountain top.<\/p>\n
This will not be an invitation to exult in sorrow, as some religious extremists seek to do, thinking that self-willed suffering proves their faith. In both earthly destinations \u2013 the bright mountaintop and the dark valley \u2013 we dishonor God if we substitute residency for seeking and accepting His will.<\/p>\n
We should be careful, naturally, if we send ourselves into dangerous overseas missions or domestic ministries \u2013 or if we send our zealous children \u2013 without fervent prayer. But my real concern today is with people who long for the \u201cmountaintop experiences,\u201d and, sometimes prodded by certain preachers, think they are missing God\u2019s favor, or out of His will, if instead they continue in circumstances generally regarded as \u201cliving down in the valley.\u201d<\/p>\n
You know it\u2026 and probably have felt it at times. Never able to get out of financial challenges. Unlucky in love. Frustrated at work. Suffering aches and pains.<\/p>\n
“Is such a life a good witness, to the world, of what a Christian\u2019s life is?”<\/p>\n
Maybe.<\/p>\n
Actually, I will add to that. It has little relation to what a Christian\u2019s life is.<\/p>\n
What the world looks at \u2013 what God looks at \u2013 is not where you are but how, as a Christian, you deal with it. If you are there for a reason, if He has given you a task or even a burden, you insult God Almighty by lusting all the time for that shiny resort up on yonder mountain.<\/p>\n
Dottie Rambo wrote one of her most profound gospel songs with the following lyrics:<\/p>\n
When I’m low in spirit, I cry, \u201cLord lift me up, I want to go higher with Thee!\u201d Then He leads me beside still waters, Somewhere in the valley below.<\/em> Dark as a dungeon, the sun seldom shines, And I question: \u201cLord why must this be?\u201d<\/em> Then He leads me beside still waters, Somewhere in the valley below.<\/em> Yes, more things grow in the world\u2019s valleys than on the highest mountains\u2019 tops. And that can include you and me, growing. I have been in both environments, literally and figuratively. Oh, there is beauty, and great perspectives, from the heights; and we should never disdain the upward trail.<\/p>\n But in the meantime, the valleys can be special places.<\/p>\n Let us remember \u2013 a propos<\/em> the valleys of life \u2013 that even the most horrible valley described in God\u2019s Word, the \u201cValley of the Shadow of Death,\u201d is not a place from which our loving Father promises to spare us, no!<\/p>\n Psalm 23 assures us, \u201cYea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n We can not avoid such places in our lives. We can not escape such moments in our \u201cwalks.\u201d Rather, we should trust God; lean on the Everlasting Arms. He does not<\/em> promise to find detours for us. He promises to be with us, protect us\u2026 and comfort us, when we are in those dark valleys.<\/p>\n When Jesus gave the Great Commission, neither did He send His disciples to the mountaintops of all the world, but to all the world.<\/p>\n One more perspective, based on personal experiences. I have been on mountaintops \u2013 high above the \u201cpine line\u201d in the Rockies, with friends after Christian Writers conferences in Estes Park. We behold the vistas and have been moved to sing, \u201cThis Is My Father\u2019s World.\u201d Moving. I have also been so high in the Alps that nothing grows but lichen, that moss-like composite of fungus and algae (yes, this IS my Father\u2019s world! Who could imagine that hybrid organism, not a plant?) \u2013 wondrous and mysterious and ancient.\u00a0Yet\u2026 moss-like.<\/p>\n At the other extreme, to find something indigenous, think of the beautiful, fragrant, colorful Lily. \u201cOf the Valley,\u201d as it is known and loved.<\/p>\n There is victory in trials, the song reminds us. If mountaintop people never have trials, they can not lean on the promises of God; or savor His protection; or experience His sweet comfort.<\/p>\n + + +<\/p>\n
\nBut nothing grows high on a mountain, so He picked out a valley for me.<\/em><\/p>\n
\n And He draws me aside to be tested and tried, In the valley He restoreth my soul!<\/em><\/p>\n
\n But He tells me there’s strength in my sorrow, And there’s victory in trials for me!<\/em><\/p>\n
\n And He draws me aside to be tested and tried, In the valley He restoreth my soul!<\/em><\/p>\n