Mountains

Yesterday, I had the incredible opportunity to "shred the gnar" with a good friend at Tamarack Resort in Donnelly, Idaho. When we arrived it was rainy and the snow was like peanut butter. The upper part of the mountain looked cold and windy but we had to assume that the snow was going to be much better
 As I made my way to the top of the mountain, the cold air hit me, and the wind whipped around fiercely. Standing there surrounded by snow-capped peaks was a breathtaking moment, and I felt a deep sense of God’s presence.


In that frigid, windy moment, looking out across the ridge I couldn’t help but think about how mountains have always held a special significance in the Bible. They often symbolize places where people encounter God. I thought about Moses on Mount Sinai, where he received the Ten Commandments. It felt like I was standing in that same holy space, a place where heaven and earth meet. Mountains represent so many things in the Bible. Challenges we face, places of prayer, and the capability of faith.

As I closed my eyes and began to pray, I was struck by the strength of the wind swirling around me. It reminded me of God’s mighty power. Just like in Acts 2, where a violent wind filled the room during Pentecost, I felt the Holy Spirit moving in that moment. Despite the cold and chaos, there was an undeniable warmth and peace.

Waiting for my, buddy to adjust his snowboard I poured my heart out to God, sharing my hopes and desires and claiming the promise He has given me. In that moment, as I prayed, I felt confirmation that God is going to fulfill that promise. It was like the wind was carrying my prayers straight to Him, assuring me that I was heard and loved.

In an instant, the peace of God washed over me. Philippians 4:6-7 came to mind: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” That peace was tangible, even amidst the stormy conditions around me.

Thinking about it now, this verse seems to explain what I felt. Isaiah 54:10: “Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken.” It was so comforting to know that even when life feels wild and unpredictable, God’s love remains constant and unchanging.

We trudged our way against the wind and into the protection of the trees just below the ridge and found the knee-deep powder we were craving! Granted, it is hard to be anxious when you have a big smile on your face skiing through the beauty of nature, nor is there much else on your mind other than trying to not crash, but I absolutely felt a weight lifted and a peace during that time, knowing God is at work, even when I cannot see it directly.

In that beautiful, yet chaotic moment at the top of the mountain, I realized that God meets us in nature, and creates stillness in storms. Being on top of a mountain reminds you of just how powerful and mighty God is, and that being high above, looking out on everything he created gives hope and vision. For me, that moment of isolation and reflection brought me the greatest peace that God is going to fulfill His promise. Today is a special day for me and I believe that God will be faithful. I encourage you to seek moments like this in your life. Find a mountain, feel the wind and open your heart in prayer. Discover the power, peace and presence of God and what He has waiting for you.

J.H

II•IV

Location: Tamarack, ID 83612, USA

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Let Them

Image
Life’s too short to let others dictate how you feel. When people talk behind your back, let them. When they try to steal your joy, let them. Even if they’re scheming to destroy your happiness, let them. You’ve got bigger fish to fry. When you’re walking in alignment with God’s purpose for your life, “No weapon formed against you shall prosper”   Isaiah 54:17 . That’s a promise you can bank on. Listen up: negativity and gossip are everywhere. It’s easy to get pulled into the drama, to let those toxic voices seep into your mind. But here’s the cold truth: their opinions don’t define you. Their words have no power unless you give it to them. You need to stand firm and refuse to let anyone else control your narrative. You’re in the driver’s seat of your life, and it’s time to take the wheel. God’s leading you into something far greater than you can imagine. Every moment you waste worrying about what someone else thinks is a moment you could be investing in your own growth. Philippians ...
Read more

Man of God 2: Masculinity

Image
About three months ago, I wrote Man of God, based on my personal desire and drive to find righteousness and live in accordance with the masculine design God created for men. This morning I was stirred to re-visit the topic of masculinity and share new perspectives  I have found in my pursuit since I wrote about this in January. The world distorts the essence of manhood, and it’s time to reclaim the true identity God designed for men. It is time to rise as spiritual leaders, warriors of faith, and pillars of strength. Too long have we been bombarded with messages that belittle our strength, vilify our leadership, and encourage us to suppress our God-given desires. But we are not built to cower in the shadows of societal expectations; we are forged to be bold, to stand firm, and to lead with conviction.  1 Corinthians 16:13   “ Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.” From the beginning of the world, God breathed life into man and entrusted him ...
Read more

Built Different

Image
Built Different: The Spirit Led Firefighter   You want to talk about strength? About discipline? About showing up day after day, dragging your body out of bed for the tones, for the shift, for the next call that might break you or define you? Then let’s talk about the  Fruit of the Spirit . Because  this  is what spiritual strength looks like. It’s not soft. It’s not passive. It’s not something you wear on a bracelet and forget when things get real. It’s the core of who we’re supposed to be when the world’s on fire. Literally and spiritually. Galatians 5:22–23     “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law. This isn’t some motivational poster on the wall. This is the grind of the Spirit in the life of the believer. If the Holy Spirit truly lives in you, these aren’t optional. They’re inevitable. But make no mistake, just because it’s spiritual do...
Read more