At 29,029 feet, Mt. Everest is the highest peak in the world. This has made it the target of many who wish to climb it. Over 8,000 people have been recorded to have successfully scaled to the top. Over 300 have not been as fortunate and have died in the attempt. It is a dangerous journey and everyone who sets out to reach the summit knows they may die in the attempt. Not only is it a difficult vertical climb, but the adventurer is faced with many natural obstacles. Unpredictable blizzards can strike causing heavy snow and potential avalanches. It is high enough to be in the jet steam, so winds can reach nearly 300 mph. When you near the top, the air thins, and this can cause a variety of physical problems.
Here is my solution. If you want to see the summit of Mt. Everest so badly, just rent a helicopter to drop you off at the top! Less peril, more comfort. You avoid much of the danger and struggle and still get to reach your goal. Good solution, right?
Many who have the dream of reaching this summit would say it is a terrible idea. The challenge and excitement are in the climb. The sense of accomplishment is in the journey up. It is the ascent that builds the strength, endurance, and confidence of the mountaineer. To stand on the top without the trek would be an empty victory.
What would it mean to those of us who may never climb a mountain if we would choose to live all of life with the same philosophy? Instead, most of us are consistently seeking the most comfortable path through this life and want to have everything be assured and safe. We want to live on the mountain top. Two truths we need to understand about this desire. One, it is not realistic. We live in a fallen world where Satan is a roaring lion seeking ways to devour us. His process is to attack in every way imaginable, making the journey through this life difficult at times. The second truth is a bit more encouraging. Not only is God aware of this attempt by Satan, he has actually created a means for us to benefit from it.
In James 1:2-4, God tells us to, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. The Holy Spirit of God is reminding us that this life is not just about reaching the peak, it is about growing through the journey. When Satan causes a struggle in our lives, we can choose to use it for our benefit. This is accomplished by asking, “What can I learn about myself and God’s grace from this leg of the journey? How can I use this lesson to prepare for the next battle? What can I take from this experience that allows me to help someone else who may be faltering on their encounter with evil?
When we face trials, we have options. We can whine and complain, wishing we were on the mountain top. Or, we can man up and tackle the obstacle on the side of the mountain we are climbing. The first option will make us weak and ineffective as a man called to lead our families or to influence those around us. The second choice causes us to grow in our strength, endurance, and confidence as we pursue God’s help to work through the battle. This option also allows us to represent the power of God to those watching our lives and brings glory to God.