The View From The Top

Recently, Kim and I, along with our family, spent our annual two weeks at our family cabin on Lake Pleasant in the Adirondacks (that’s in upstate New York). As we do each year, we took a few hikes up and down a couple of local mountains. Although the mountains we climbed were nothing too crazy (one of them just over a 1000 ft elevation gain), they yet required a good amount of energy and effort on our part—especially on some pretty steep inclines. Eventually, however, the light broke through and the peak of the mountain was revealed. And at that moment, the payback was well worth the trip: a gorgeous view from the top!  
Of course, on the way up we were surrounded by trees and could only see the forest around us. On the way up, we were focused on the trail as we tried to keep course and not trip over rocks and roots. On the way up, we were our legs at times began to tire. On the way up,  we our destination remained unseen for our view was limited. Once at the peak, however, everything changed. From the top we could see down into the valleys below filled with swatches of green and rivers that flowed into the lakes of the surrounding area. At the top, we could rest and refresh ourselves. Once we reached the top, we almost forgot all the effort it took to get there. You see, it’s a totally different view from the top. 

I would propose that our faith journey is very much like hiking a trail up a mountain. Much of it is spent being able to see only so far, trying to keep from tripping, and being forced to exert an awful lot of effort and energy. Sometimes the temptation is there to give up, to quit, to even turn back. We can begin to wonder whether or not living a life of faith is worth it. After all, at times the forest can be dark, rocks and roots are constantly in our way, and worst of all, the top of the mountain is nowhere in sight. Thus all along the way we must remind ourselves, it will be different once we reach the top. 

The Apostle Paul wrote, “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:17-18 - NIV) 

Paul’s words are meant to be an encouragement to the believer to keep on traveling, climbing, and believing. He reminds us that one day, when we make it to the top (i.e., into the presence of God), everything about our life that was once hidden will come into full view. The purposes of God will come into sight. The eternal will be revealed. And best of all, we will experience a glory that will cause us to realize, it was indeed well worth the journey. What a view that will be when we make it to the top! 

So, let me encourage you today to keep on traveling, persevering, and climbing. After all, it will be worth it all when we catch the view from the top! 

Have a great day! 

- Pastor Tim Harris