Mountain Tops and Hill Country

The Israelites were camped around the mountain at Horeb, where they experienced rest and safety.  It was a good place to be and they were in no hurry to move away from this place but God knew this was not their destiny, their place was not at the mountain but in the hill country across the Jordan, a place where rest would be denied and safety would be at risk as they faced the enemy before them.

The Lord's word for the people was quite simple but so very profound, "You have stayed long enough at this mountain" (Deut 1:6).  The rest was over, the preparation time had expired, it was time to re-engage in the battle.

We love mountain-top experiences, where everything seems to be at peace, when we feel "too blessed to be stressed."  We enjoy those times and we want them to continue on without interruption.  In truth, we think we deserve a life at the mountain top.  We get frustrated and upset when life gets bumpy.  Our faith takes a tumble when life becomes a train wreck.

Our problem is that we are confused about just where we are.  While we are destined for an endless mountain-top existence, we have not come to that mountain yet, that mountain is in heaven, not on earth.  On earth, we are in enemy territory and, apart from some times of rest and rejuvination, we are on the battle field.  Embrace the mountain top times, enjoy them and be thankful but do not be deceived into thinking that is where you are called to live.

We have a mission on earth to advance the Kingdom of God in the hearts of men and we have an Advesary intent that we do not succeed in that mission.  We are at war!  War is hell - not heaven.  

Live in today.  If you are currently at the mountain top of ease and blessings, enjoy without worrying what tomorrow will bring.  If you are in the hill country battling hard against the Enemy, don't despair, it won't continue indefinitely - a mountain top awaits you.  Jesus Christ leads us into battle and by his power, we will win the war, but we do have to engage in the battles until then - not without breaks but without doubt that, along with the mountain-top experiences, we will face hill-country striving.  Jus' Sayn.