Bumps

“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.  For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.”  James 1:2-4

“…For nothing is impossible with God.” Luke 1:37

A little boy was leading his sister up a mountain path and the way was not too easy. “Why this isn’t a path at all,¨ the little girl complained. “Its all rocky and bumpy.¨ Her little brother kept on up the mountain, pausing just long enough to call out, “Sure, but the bumps are what you climb on.”

Ever faced a bump in your path?  We all do.  Many try to go around it... thinking that if they didn’t have it to deal with, they would be better off.  Not so.  Refuse to see challenges as inconveniences or barriers... they are tough but necessary steps leading you onward and upward toward a stronger faith and a fulfilled life.   

The troubles you faced in the past were tough... but you made it through them.

The troubles you are facing today are hard... some will tell you that what you want to do or where you want to go is impossible.  

God says nothing is impossible.  

Keep climbing… pushing yourself beyond what’s comfortable and easy… 

Stretch yourself to the point where fear gives way to faith… Be ready to take on the world not based on the opinions of others but on what God’s word says.  

And when you get to the peak of that mountain you are trying to climb... moving up and over all of those challenges... the view will be breathtaking.   

Climbing

In 1924, two men set out to conquer the ultimate mountain climbing prize... to reach the summit of Mount Everest.  Their first attempt failed miserably... part of the team died along the way and those that returned home felt an overwhelming sense of failure.  Soon after, the same two men tried it again... and had the same result.  A press conference followed the second try and the men were asked if they’d ever try again.  Here was one of their responses: “’Everest, we tried to conquer you once, but you overpowered us. We tried to conquer you a second time, but again you were too much for us. But, Everest, I want you to know that we are going to conquer you, for you can’t grow any bigger, and we can!’”

As you listen to this today... there may be a mountain standing in front of you.  It might be finances, relationships, self-worth, debt... every mountain is different.  But let me assure you... every climber is not.  Every single person has the opportunity to connect with Christ... and in turn... has a power source that is unmatched.  Philippians 3:14 tells us that we can do ALL THINGS through Christ.  He is the source of our energy... the strength in our weakness... and is there to help us back up when we fall.  Feeling overwhelmed by the mountains in your life?  Stop trying to climb them without Jesus.  He knows the way to the summit and will carry you if you’re willing to let Him.