I wish I could say that things have been perfect lately.. But then again, I don’t. We grow through the hard times, and that is what I am learning right now. During this current storm, I have been crying out to God and asking Him to be near me, give me wisdom, and also peace. I’ve found that only prayer makes me feel better.
I decided to get away for a while and visit my Nana, whom I haven’t spent much time with a long time. I told her I would come and see her before I went away for a year, and Spring Break was the appropriate time to do so. Spring break couldn’t have come at a better time. I just needed to get away, clear my head, and regroup.
So I left Murfreesboro today, headed for Atlanta. On the way, my heart was heavy with life’s problems and I was crying out to God. I just asked Him for the usual: Peace, joy, and wisdom… But my train of thought soon shifted to the World Race, and I began asking God to prepare me however He saw fit for what was to come. I asked Him to give me a prepared heart for the poor and lost, a sound mind against the enemies attacks, and a physical strength that only He can provide. As soon as I started praying over the World Race, I realized where I was and what was around me…
I was driving on the interstate right through a valley. When I looked around in every single direction, I could see nothing but a wall of mountains (Or hills if we are being technical). They were tall, blue and strong. I felt safe and secure there in the valley, as if the mountains were protecting me. They I heard this: “As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds His people”. Then I felt the Lord saying, “As surely as the mountains surround you now, as am I”. I began to cry immediately because I knew the Lord had just spoke to me.
My location is so crucial to this story because I was not on a plain, or on another mountain… I was in the valley, physically and emotionally. And I realized that no matter what I go through, here or overseas, God is surrounding me. And I was filled with peace which was exactly what I was asking for.
But it gets better… I soon left the valley and as I followed the road, I gradually started to ascend the mountain. I was passing small waterfalls gushing from the sides of the rocks as I made my ascent, only to arrive at the top. Once there, I could see all around and back down into the valleys from where I just came.
Today God made me realize that that is life. We may go through the valleys, but as surely as we are there, we will leave. But we must keep on driving and keep on following that road. If we do, we will start the ascent to the top of the mountain, passing by springs of living water (Jesus) which rejuvenate and give us strength. When we finally get to the top, we are able to look back and see the valley from which we just came. This allows us to learn important lessons and remember the One who led us out.
I haven’t reached the top yet, much less started my ascent, but I am comforted knowing that I surely will… and I am not alone in the valley.
Whether at the top or the bottom, may God bless you on the mountain…
In Him,
Kaitlyn
