Take Me Higher

“For who is God except the Lord? Who but our God is a solid rock? God arms me with strength, and He makes my way perfect. He makes me as surefooted as a deer, enabling me to stand on mountain heights.” Psalm 18:31-33, NLT

“The Sovereign Lord is my strength! He makes me as surefooted as a deer, able to tread upon the heights.” Habakkuk 3:19, NLT

Do you consider yourself to be an avid hiker? I love the idea of hiking. After all, what’s not to love!?! Trekking onto the off beaten path, capturing sights, sounds and spectacular views that may often be hidden away from the constant busyness of life.  The chance to get away and bond with fellow hikers and with nature itself. Even though the hike itself can be long and tedious, and sometimes treacherous, it's often worth the trouble. But Alas! While I love the idea of hiking, it appears I more love the idea of being at the destination than the hike itself.

Life is riddled with ups and downs, filled with beautiful as well as heartbreaking moments. On this journey, God wants to take us higher. He wants us to move from a fixed mindset to a growth one. Through effort and learning, we can improve our abilities and how we respond to challenges. Through experiential faith and trust in God, He can help us to navigate how we view success and failure; gain and loss. 

I love Peter the Apostle. Some persons would say I share his temperament to be outspoken and at the ready. Peter was the first to recognize Jesus as the Messiah. He was heartbroken when he realised he denied Jesus. He slept without worry, having learnt from his experience with Jesus in the storm.  He fully gave the outcome of situations over to God. He would often act first and think later but look at what he was able to experience firsthand like walking on the water. Peter was compassionate and loyal and one in Jesus' inner circle.

From fisherman to fisher of men, we see a man who grew and allowed God to take Him higher. In Matthew 16:18, NLT Jesus says, “Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means ‘rock’), and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it.” 

In 2 Peter 3:17, 18, Peter's final words of entreaty to us are: “You already know these things, dear friends. So be on guard; then you will not be carried away by the errors of these wicked people and lose your own secure footing. Rather, you must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”

My prayer is that I will also allow God to take me higher, to travel through this life learning, growing, and encouraging as I go. To enjoy the journey, knowing that I can trust in Him.

“God often leads us on journeys we would never go on if it were up to us. Don’t be afraid. Take courage. Have faith. Trust God.” – Eugene Cho

“Thank You, God, for the blessings that come in the form of challenges, for they shape my strength and character, revealing Your wisdom and care in my growth.” – Unknown (Sandjest)

“Gratitude fills my heart for the journey You’ve guided me on, God, through every high and low.” – Unknown (Sandjest)

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You Lord for the mountains and the valleys, the highs and lows. Thank You for being a constant companion through it all. Help me soar with You; to let You take me higher so I can stand on the mountain heights. In Jesus name, Amen.

“The ultimate test of faith is not how loudly you praise God in happy times but how deeply you trust Him in dark times.” – Rick Warren

“I wait quietly before God, for my victory comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will never be shaken. Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in Him.” Psalm 62:1,2, 5 NLT

Be blessed to be a blessing.

K.I.M (Kingdom Inspired Messages)

Author of K.I.M