What’s Your Everest? Blind Descent DevotionalSample

Day 7: Faith and Focus  

No matter what life throws our way or what type of situation we’re in, we must stand firm and trust in the Lord. 1 Corinthians 16:13 tells us to never give up our faith and to always be courageous and strong. It’s important not to marginalize our situation—because it’s real to us—but trust that our mighty God will carry us through the darkest times. It may seem impossible, but nothing is impossible with God. Trust Him. Release your pain and suffering. Allow Him to save your life. 

Surviving the descent of Mount Everest snowblind and alone has certainly reshaped my life. I was a Christian before, but I don’t feel I gave God adequate credit for miracles in my life. What happened in that moment in the death zone was very tangible and I cannot take the credit. I reached a point where I couldn’t go on and He saved me. 

I’ve had a lot of years now reliving my experience and dealing with survivor’s guilt. Why are there over 200 bodies still on the mountain and I’m alive? I can tell you that there are two things that got me down the mountain: faith and focus. 

Focus is ironic since I couldn’t see a thing. I was completely blind, but I knew what I needed to do to get down. I had to fight off panic and dig deep to find grit and resilience and to do whatever it took to take one more step forward. 

And faith. I reached a point where I couldn’t go on anymore and I surrendered to God. He was there the entire time, waiting for me to get out of my own way and rely on Him. And He immediately delivered. It shouldn’t take us to the edge of death to ask Him for help. He’s there waiting to guide us to safety. We just have to ask.

Jeremiah 16:19 describes strength, fortress, and refuge as his security and protection from God. When we feel weak, God is our strength to help us overcome the impossible. When we are attacked by the enemy, God is our fortress of protection. Through all the chaos and pressures of life we can escape to God as our refuge. He is greater than any obstacle we will ever face on this earth. Only through Him and His great glory will we live an everlasting life.

Discussion Questions:

How is God a strength, fortress and refuge in your life?

What’s your Everest?

Brian Dickinson’s miracle on Mount Everest is captured in his book, Blind Descent. To learn more about the book and for other resources visit http://briandickinson.net