BBD 02.11.09 Climbing Mountains
Posted by: wrather <wrather@...>
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02.11.09
Climbing Mountains
Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in
the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. -
1 Corinthians 15:58.
These are difficult days that we live in for millions of people. From the
prayer requests being posted at the Burning Bush website there appears to be
an increase in desperation and an increase in urgency. Here are a few
quotes:
"I am struggling financially, emotionally, and physically.."
"Please pray for a miracle that my husband will find the job.."
"I am suffering emotionally, spiritually, financially. I am dead inside and
I need a miracle to change my life."
".pray for a financial miracle and healing in my body."
"Pray with me for financial break-through in my family."
"Please pray.that God will provide the money for my electric bill this
month."
"Please pray for my son and his family. He is not working, his wife is
carrying the load and now he has started using drugs."
I have only climbed very small mountains that some would consider hills.
However, even looking at a small mountain prior to climbing it, we can see
in our minds the problems, hazards, and expenditure of energy that will be
necessary. Usually we overestimate how difficult the climbing will actually
be. Dennis Proffitt a psychologist at the University of Virginia has
actually performed a study which concluded that most people when standing at
the bottom of a hill will believe the impending climb looks a lot more
difficult than it really is.
Profitt in his study determined that people would consistently overestimate
the slope of shallow hills. The people involved in the study would judge
five-degree slopes to be about 20 degrees. According to Profitt there
appears to be a mental protection mechanism at work here. The mental
mechanism causes the eye to overestimate the task at hand, which helps
prevent you from overexerting yourself.
In modern life the mountains we face are all too often not in the physical
realm. However, they can be just as difficult to climb. It is easy to become
discouraged in life. We can look at our work or the problems facing us and
feel overwhelmed. It may only be a five-degree climb, but it looks
completely vertical from where we stand. We face one problem after another,
and they take a toil on our mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual
stamina. As a result we may come to a standstill as far as doing anything
for the Lord.
The apostle Paul would tell us to be steadfast, immovable always abounding
in the work of the Lord. Yes, you may be facing another problem but most
likely it is not as bad as you think. Your mind is telling you it cannot be
done but Paul would say that you can do all things through Christ
(Philippians 4:13). Believe it! One step at a time. One day at a time, climb
your mountain with the Lord by your side. He will give you the strength, the
courage, the wisdom, and provide whatever else you may need along the way
(Philippians 4:19).
Copyright © 2009. Ed Wrather. Permission is given for use of the devotionals
on a non-profit basis with source credited. The Burning Bush website has
been online since January 31, 1998. On June 8, 1998 the email version of the
Burning Bush Devotional was first sent.
Prayer Requests: Please pray for Malachi, Cody, and Mica who are young boys
with cancer. Many prayer needs are posted at the Burning Bush website on the
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will be forwarded to the Burning Bush Prayer Group (Of course, I am always
in need of prayer - please pray for me.).
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