. . Jesus took . . . them up on a high mountain apart by themselves . . . —Mark 9:2
We are made for the valleys to serve there with the ones who need service. We are granted times on the mountaintop to be energized and exalted. These times are a blessing. We have all experienced times of exaltation on the mountain, when we have seen things from God’s perspective and have wanted to stay there. But God will never allow us to stay there.
We are not made for the mountains, for sunrises, or for the other beautiful attractions in life— those are simply intended to be moments of inspiration. We are made for the valley and the ordinary things of life, and that is where we have to prove our stamina and strength. Yet our spiritual selfishness always wants repeated moments on the mountain. We feel that we could talk and live like perfect angels, if we could only stay on the mountaintop. Those times of exaltation are exceptional and they have their meaning in our life with God, but we must beware to prevent our spiritual selfishness from wanting to make them the only time.
The mature Christian has experienced and seeks the deep and abiding joy that comes from valley service, not from the results thereof, which we often don’t see; but from the joy of obedience which guides our valley walks.
Come on down and
Be blessed.
Nick
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