Ask God for a Mountain – Part 1
Now give me this hill country that the LORD promised me that day. You yourself heard then that the Anakites were there and their cities were large and fortified, but, the LORD helping me, I will drive them out just as he said.” Joshua 14:12
Why would someone ask God for a mountain? Because when you tackle something bigger than yourself: 1) you grow; 2) you learn to depend on God; 3) you get to celebrate big victories.Caleb said: ‘…here I am today, eighty-five years old! I am still as strong today as the day Moses sent me out; I’m just as vigorous to go out to battle now as I was then. Now give me this hill country that the Lord promised me that day. You yourself heard then that the Anakites were there and their cities were large and fortified, but, with the Lord helping me, I will drive them out just as He said’ (vv. 10-12). Anybody can occupy the flat ground, but it takes faith in God to tackle a mountain. What’s more, that’s where the Anakites—the giants—lived. These guys were so big they caused ten of Moses’ spies to say, ‘…Next to them we felt like grasshoppers …’ (Numbers 13:33). You’d think at eighty-five Caleb would have asked for a nice cottage in the North Woods! But no, he wanted another battle and another victory before he checked out. Stop asking God for a problem-free life, otherwise you might die of boredom. It’s in working to solve problems and overcome challenges that you become the person God wants you to be. So ask Him for a task that will keep you learning, growing, uncomfortable, and hungry for significance. When you pray, ‘God, use me,’ be prepared to encounter four things: adventure, danger, risk, and reward. How about it—are you up for a little excitement?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, Give me that Mountain – use me! Keep me busy! In Jesus’ Name, Amen
Also maintain a healthy work-life balance. Don’t get so caught up chasing that dream or climbing that mountain, that when you stop to reflect or look back, there is no one behind you, and when it’s too late, you realize you are all alone, you may have realized your dream or climbed your mountain, but at what cost or sacrifice. The Bible many time states to maintain time for God, and family, and service (volunteering) as you climb your mountain or chase your dream.
Good one Tim! Seeing that Caleb was 85 and ready to do another battle, full of energy, we should not be surprised by our seniors today who still drive at 90 or play golf ….