A Mountain of Difficulty

Imagine a 23 year old young man standing at the base of a mountain gazing up as it looms ominously over him. The journey ahead is both exciting and incredibly intimidating. Squinting his eyes as he peers upward, it is hard to imagine ever reaching the peak! He begins to grow discouraged, but then remembers something his father told him years ago.

"Son, I've been climbing now for thirty years and I want to share with you something that is essential for a successful climb. No matter how high the mountain is before you, the only way you'll ever reach the top is by taking it one step at a time. Remember the feeling of walked up what seems like a few stairs and then realizing that three stories is higher than you originally thought. So when you begin your journey, rather than being overwhelmed by the enormity of the task as a whole, focus on the little task right before your eyes. The only time you should step back and look at the entire mountain is in order to choose the smoothest coarse in which to travel. Once you've picked your route, put your head down and start climbing. It is in this way that you will avoid utter discouragement and failure."

I believe this principle applies to every difficulty you may encounter in life's long journey. In fact, as you may have already guessed, I invented this story in order to serve as a demonstration of this truth. When life gets incredibly busy and it seems like you have way too much to do, or when the task in front of you seems far too difficult, don't give up! I've seen many people freeze up because they spend too much time thinking about all that they need to do, while they fail to actually sit down and get started. Remember the old man's wisdom and just take the first step. Ask yourself, "What do I hope to do today...or even this hour?" You should only think about the plethora of items on your schedule long enough to plan the most effective route. Then get to work.

God will deliver you in His strength to the peak of your difficulties. Don't worry about the future, for "sufficient for the day is its own trouble" (Matt. 6:34). May God bless your journey to the peak.