Mountain Climbing Strength!

Growing up we often sung a hymn in church that went something like this “Lord, don’t move the mountain but give me the strength to climb. We are indeed in an “mountain climbing” season because of personal and global challenges. How do we stay sane and remain in a peaceful state during these unprecedented times to fulfill our destiny? How do you keep moving forward up the mountain when everything is so unpredictable from this year to the New Year (2022)?

My advice…One Step at a Time.

In addition, there are some practical and spiritual steps you can take to climb whatever mountain is in front of you.

Since I have never actually climbed a mountain but only engaged in some strenuous uphill walking and hiking. I researched and found these practical recommendations.

The good thing about these practical recommendations for mountain climbing are they can be implemented for our mountain of challenges.

Remember to:  Pack, Build, Take, Become, Get, Prepare, Know, Plan, Face and Encourage is the steps to successful mountain climbing. Can these steps be used when we are facing our own “mountain” that appears to be impossible, treacherous and insurmountable? Absolutely we can!!

1. Pack layers of clothing that you can add or remove as needed when mountain climbing. What do you need to pack? Make sure you have the coping skills to endure and climb your emotional mountain you are facing. Often times when climbing your personal mountain, you have to be “pack” patience, flexibility, prepare for the unexpected and be willing to take off or let go of what is no longer needed or working for you.

Most important…. pack the Word of God!! You can do this by meditating and reading it daily. Remember, In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God (John 1:1). Find a promise for our problem and hang on to it.

2. Build up on the basics. Building upper-body strength is important for mountaineering. Building up on your most holy faith (Jude 1:20) is important to do before you desperately need it. It is less difficult when you are confident of God’s Love for you when climbing that treacherous mountain with no end in sight. Also, building up on self-care habits because sometimes taking care of oneself is non- existent when climbing that emotional mountain.

3. Pick your target. …know where you are going…Oftentimes we are all over the place and fail to recognize when we have arrived at our destination because it doesn’t look like we thought it would.

4. Take a course- it is recommended that “before” you attempt mountain climbing to take a course. What courses would benefit you in what you are pursuing? Remember that knowledge is power. Learn something new…get informed…Read God’s Word…read books…view webinars…subscribe to a blog…take a course.

5. Get the gear– What gear will need for your mountain? A better attitude, different perspective, new outlook or a faith increase.

6. Prepare for altitude and low oxygen- Climbing is indiscriminate of gender. Both success and failure happen no matter who you are. We don’t get what we want but we get what we prepare for. The same with the mountain you may be facing so don’t take it personally but do it with a smile, letting go of the things you cannot change, expect days of adversity and triumph. Finally, focusing on what is in your hand to do and nothing more.

7. Know your strength- being able to recognize your weakness is a strength. Know when to ask for help so you can get to the top of mountain a lot quicker. Build that team of support! Great advice from my previous pastor- “staff your weakness”. You don’t have to good at everything but know who is and invite them to be a part of your team. Your team may include different people some family members, close friends, health care professional, pastor and even neighbors based on the mountain.

8. Plan, plan, plan. … The mountain is going to do what the mountain is going to do. There may be bad weather, hot weather, avalanches, or difficult terrain and the climber must account for all of these factors in training. Does that sound similar to climbing an emotional, financial or health mountain? We are guaranteed to faced tribulations, difficulties, and setbacks (John 16:33). You have to expect ups and downs and account for all the factors when training to overcome and climb your mountain.

9. Face your fears – Climbers are taught to face what they fear the most first. Climbing can be scary, as you are faced with steep drops and the possibility of real danger. Therefore, one of the best places to start your mental training for climbing that mountain is by facing your fears. Start by separating what poses an actual risk to what you believe could harm you.

10. Finally, Encourage yourself!– When you genuinely believe in yourself and your God given abilities, your climbing will be positively impacted. Something may feel or look impossible, but you need to believe that it could be possible and take the risk. Add some positive self-talk and scripture promises as you move forward up that mountain. Remember, your mouth is the steering wheel of your life. Speak Life and Speak Faith!!

Blessings,

Dr. G