Moving Mountains

Moving Mountains
by Bruce Durbin

Alone, Moses ascended into the mountain and communed with God (Exodus 24:2). When Jesus Christ was preparing to instruct the multitudes, He went up into the mountain alone (Matthew 5:1). When Jesus Christ desired to commune with His Heavenly Father, He again went up into the mountain alone (Matthew 14:23). When God’s people have went to the mountain to seek Him, it has been alone.

In attempting to demonstrate the power of faith, Jesus Christ utilized the following example:

“If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you” (Matthew 17:20).

What amazing faith that would enable one to stand at the foot of a mountain, that has stood since the beginning of time, and say, “Move over there”, with the assurance that it would not only hear your voice, but also move to where you directed.

Faith. It isn’t based on the number of friends you have, it isn’t based on your status in the world, and it isn’t based on your potential. It is not coincidental that Jesus Christ referenced a single mustard seed, rather than a handful of seeds. Faith comes from a one-to-one relationship with God. Faith is not only believing that the mountain will move, but it is also believing that God will bring the mountain to you.

Climbing a mountain. I arrive at the base of the mountain. I look towards the summit. Do I have faith that the climb will be easy? No, the climb will be steep. Do I have faith that the hike will be without pain? No, the hike will test my strength and my body will feel pain. Do I have faith that the climb will be quick? No, the climb will take time. Do I have faith that I will not feel loneliness? No, as I move through the woods, I will be alone. Do I have faith that I will make it to the summit? Yes, it is what I desire.

I shoulder my pack, I plant my staff into the ground, and I say a prayer of thanks. I look towards the summit of the mountain and I drive the toe of my boot into the side of the mountain. I tense my leg and then step up, driving the toe of my other boot into the side of the mountain. Step by step, I move up the side of the mountain.

When my breathing becomes rapid, I turn, dig my heels in, and look below. I see the creek below, with the highway attempting to follow the bends of the creek. I see vehicles traveling on the highway, with their occupants failing to see the summit; only the road in front of them. I see the distance I’ve traveled. I see the mountains on the other side. I contemplate the creation of the mountain. I then turn, and look towards the summit of the mountain.

Again, I start my ascent. I reach the meadow. It is winter and the fallen logs jut out of the snow, as fallen warriors left on a battlefield. The hawk circles over head, its shadow silently sweeping across the snow. A bull elk emerges from the trees and snorts; the frozen silence of the meadow is broken. Following the tracks of the wolf, I move across the deep snow without sinking. I move onwards, ever closer to the summit.

Alone, I reach the summit and locate the boulder that has been my chair on past trips; it is an old friend. The sun breaks through the clouds and sends beams of light onto the snow that are reflected, creating a myriad of rainbows that dance across the snow. I look down upon the valley and contemplate the distance I traveled to reach this summit. I contemplate the greatness of my God, I contemplate the love of my God, and I contemplate the goodness of my God. If my mouth could not form the words to praise my God, then certainly the mountain would roar the proclamation of God’s faithfulness to His people (Luke 19:40).

Do I have faith that this life will be without sorrow? No, as I travel through this life, there will be sorrow, as well as joy. Do I have faith that the climb to Heaven will be easy? No, the climb will be steep and the path will be narrow, but there will be friends that will share portions of the journey. Do I have faith that I will reach the goal? Yes, it is my faith in God that gives me the power to overcome. I consider the love of God for me and…

...The mountain moves me.

* * *