Mountaintop Experiences
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Exploring The Trails
Montana has some of the most beautiful hikes. Exploring the trails is one of my favorite summer activities. My favorite hikes are ones that go to something, like waterfalls, panoramic views, or mountaintop lakes. Last summer was such an amazing summer. I got to hike to a peak that had been a goal of mine for years. Making my way through the trees, crossing rivers, and watching for wildlife is my happy place.
Getting to the top of the mountain gives such a feeling of accomplishment. The views are often incredible and I want to soak up as much of the experience as possible. I usually take a break and have a snack before venturing back down.
The Transfiguration
We all love mountaintop experiences. I know I want to get there and stay there. When life feels perfect and everything is going in the right direction, it brings peace and restoration. Looking at the mountaintop experience Peter felt when Jesus took him, James, and John up the mountain, you can totally understand why Peter wanted to pitch a tent and stay forever. Read the scriptures and put yourself there for a minute.
“Six days later, Jesus took Peter and the two brothers, James and John, and led them up a high mountain to be alone. As the men watched, Jesus’ appearance was transformed so that his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as light. Suddenly, Moses and Elijah appeared and began talking with Jesus. Peter exclaimed, “Lord, it’s wonderful for us to be here! If you want, I’ll make three shelters as memorials – one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”
Mark 17:1-4 NLT
"As the men watched, Jesus’ appearance was transformed so that his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as light." Mark 17:2 NLT Share on XBefore going up the mountain, Jesus and Peter were having a conversation and Peter was questioning Jesus over and over. Jesus says here the famous biblical line, “Stand behind me Satan.” From here, Jesus invites Peter, James, and John to join him as they go up the mountain. When they get to where Jesus wanted to go, He transforms before them.
Hiking With Jesus
Can you imagine getting to hike with Jesus? That would be unimaginable. But then to have Him stand before you and supernaturally transform. His face shone like the sun and His clothes became white as light. In two other instances in the Bible, we read of similar descriptions.
“His clothing was as white as snow, his hair like purest wool. He sat on a fiery throne with wheels of blazing fire, and a river of fire was pouring out, flowing from his presence.”
Daniel 7:9-10 NLT
“His head and his hair were white like wool, as white as snow. And his eyes were like flames of fire. His feet were like polished bronze refined in a furnace, and his voice thundered like mighty ocean waves.”
Rev 1:14-15 NLT
Can you imagine? Standing and watching this happen must have been incredible. Then Moses and Elijah show up. We don’t get to read what conversed between them, but we get to read Peter’s reaction: “Lord, I’ll make three shelters.” He was ready to set up camp and stay.
We Flourish In The Valleys
Each time I mention to my daughter that I am ready for another mountaintop experience, she reminds me things don’t flourish at the top of the mountain. When you hike, the beginning of the trail at the base of the mountain is most often more lush. My favorite hike has beautiful wildflowers and flowing creeks throughout the hike, but as you get closer to the summit, you find rocks and gravel.
We respond in the same way. When we are in the valleys of life, and things are hard, it is the place we grow the most. We flourish. Others can see the fruit of our labor. When we arrive on the mountaintop, we can easily forget the struggle it took us to get there. It is important to not forget what God did for us to move us along to get us through the challenging parts.
To use the analogy of hiking… When was the last time you felt God walking by your side? When did you sense His presence in the valley? Did He hold your hand as you crossed the rushing water or did He lift you up and over the patches of mud? Did He give you a boost when the path got steep? When we are trudging through and life gets messy, we can take a break on the path and know He is there restoring us to get us over the next obstacle.
*All pictures taken by me.
Wonderful images, Jennifer. God has held me and carried me through some rough seasons. He is faithful to be with us. Thanks and God bless!
Your daughter is wise. Great point that valleys flourish and mountaintops do not. We should hold on to this and look for the blessings in the valleys as well as on the mountaintops.
Mountaintop experiences do leave us with the feeling of exhilaration. But those valley times can strengthen us when we depend upon the Lord. Just think, if we haven’t prepared and exercised before climbing a literal mountain, we would never make it to the top. Our spiritual life is the same. If we don’t stay faithful during those valley days, we won’t have the mountaintop victories.
Jen, you make some interesting observations about the mountains that I hadn’t previously thought about. I will ponder the comparisons you’ve made to the spiritual journey. Incidentally, your blog is the fourth place I’ve run into the transfiguration account in the last week or two. Hmmm. . .
I love spending time in the mountains and it refreshes my soul but I have to work in the valley. Great analogy Jennifer. Thanks for sharing
I love walking in nature and taking on those challenging hills and seeing the lush valleys. Jesus was with me during my husband’s illness. He pulled me from the pit when I floundered and helped me up the steep pathways. I couldn’t have done it without Him. We are blessed to have a Lord and Savior who is with us through the darkest of valleys. I’m so glad you were able to make the trip to Florida and that you had a wonderful time with family.