Day 8 - Consequences For Not Climbing

There are only two more days of preparation until we begin our trip. I am excited, as I am sure you are. As we have been preparing, have you had any thoughts about not climbing? I am sure that you have. I know I did.

Since the climb is so difficult and there are so many obstacles, at this point, many individuals either postpone the climb for an extended period of time or never make the climb at all. Sadly, most individuals defeated by the fatherless mountain usually do not succeed to their fullest potential for the rest of their lives. They try to move on, but with several unresolved life issues associated with the fatherless mountain, they fall short of succeeding in many other aspects of life.

I had several friends who chose to lie down and be defeated, and today, they are facing a multitude of consequences, including addiction, abuse, jail time, bitterness, an unsuccessful life path, teen pregnancy, and much more. The statistics are not a joke, and failing to conquer this mountain in your life may lead you to become one of them.

I want to challenge you as we continue preparing and then, as we finally begin the climb, not to give up because the consequences are too great to bear and will affect you for the rest of your life.

CHALLENGE:

There is an old saying: “Hindsight sees 20/20,” which basically means that if you had known the consequences or rewards of something you did before you did it, you may have changed your actions.

Jonah is a famous Bible character from the Old Testament that ultimately displays the meaning of this old saying. God told Jonah that he was to go to Nineveh, but due to his hatred towards the people of Nineveh, he ran from God and did not climb that mountain that was laid before him. The consequences of Jonah not climbing his mountain were tremendous; he was swallowed by a great fish. He should be in the Guinness Book of World Records for being the only person to ever be inside a great fish’s belly and live to tell about it. If Jonah had had hindsight, he would have never tried to run from God. Being inside the great fish’s belly and then being thrown up by the great fish was most likely not a glamorous experience. Once Jonah saw that the only option was to serve the Lord, he began to walk in God’s steps. His life was quickly used by God to reach individuals.

Ephesians 5:14-17 shows us that we must redeem the time that God has given to us. We must walk in the Lord’s will, and He will give us light. At this point in your life, God’s desire is for you to conquer this mountain. Do not give up, for the consequences are too great, and you might get eaten by a great fish!

ACTION:

Make a list of the top 5 things that you know God wants you to do with your life right now. Some examples would be: respecting your parents, climbing this mountain, living a pure life, giving 100% in school, witnessing to a friend, quitting a bad habit, etc.

SUGGESTED PRAYER:

Dear Lord, only through You and Your strength can I conquer this mountain in my life. Please help me today to seek You and Your strength through any life circumstances that I may face. Amen.