Climbing Life's Mountains: Faith, Trust, and Growth
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. Today, we explored the concept of mountains in our lives, both literal and metaphorical. Mountains are often seen as obstacles, but they are also sources of great wealth and necessity. They provide fresh water, timber, minerals, and even cleaner air. However, the journey up a mountain is never easy; it requires effort, determination, and faith.
We all face "and then" moments in life—unexpected challenges that turn our smooth paths into steep climbs. These moments can be overwhelming, filled with stress, fear, and urgency. Yet, the only way to overcome these mountains is to go up, and up is hard. The Apostle Paul reminds us that the path to spiritual maturity is an upward call in Christ Jesus, which requires effort and intent.
We looked at the story of Abraham and his climb up Mount Moriah with his son Isaac. God tested Abraham by asking him to sacrifice Isaac, his only son, the son of promise. This test was not just about obedience but also about trust and faith in God's promises. Abraham's willingness to obey, despite the seemingly impossible request, demonstrated his deep faith and trust in God.
Mountains in our lives can be tests, temptations, or trials. Tests come from God to mature us, temptations come from the enemy to lead us into sin, and trials are a result of living in a broken world. Regardless of the type of mountain, God is always with us. He never leaves us to climb alone. He accompanies us, provides us with the strength we need, and ensures that we are never alone in our journey.
We are born to climb. God prepares us for the mountains we face by teaching us through smaller challenges. Abraham's journey was filled with various mountains that prepared him for the ultimate test on Mount Moriah. Similarly, God equips us for the challenges we face, ensuring that we have the strength and faith to overcome them.
### Key Takeaways
1. Mountains as Sources of Wealth and Necessity: Mountains are not just obstacles; they are essential for providing resources like fresh water, timber, and minerals. Similarly, the challenges we face in life can bring out valuable qualities in us, such as resilience, faith, and strength. These qualities are necessary for our spiritual growth and well-being. [54:34]
2. The "And Then" Moments: Life is filled with unexpected challenges that turn our smooth paths into steep climbs. These "and then" moments can be overwhelming, but they are also opportunities for growth. The only way to overcome these challenges is to go up, and while up is hard, it is also where we find our strength and maturity in Christ. [56:21]
3. God's Tests and Our Faith: Abraham's test on Mount Moriah was about more than obedience; it was about trust and faith in God's promises. God tests us not to make us fail but to bring out the best in us. These tests are opportunities to deepen our faith and trust in God, knowing that He is always with us. [01:02:13]
4. Never Climb Alone: We are never alone in our journey. God accompanies us in every step, providing the strength and guidance we need. Additionally, we are part of a larger family of believers who can support and encourage us. Climbing alone is not only unnecessary but also unwise. [01:15:46]
5. Born to Climb: God prepares us for the mountains we face by teaching us through smaller challenges. Just as Abraham faced various mountains before Mount Moriah, we too are equipped through our experiences. God ensures that we have the strength and faith to overcome any challenge, knowing that He is always with us. [01:39:20]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[39:03] - Discover CA Announcement
[39:53] - Back to School Sunday
[40:43] - Back to School Giving
[41:51] - School Supplies Assistance
[45:19] - Introduction to LifeWise Academy
[53:51] - Introduction to Mountains
[54:34] - Wealth from Mountains
[55:30] - The Challenge of Climbing
[56:21] - The "And Then" Moments
[57:01] - The Hardness of "Up"
[57:48] - The Upward Call in Christ
[59:20] - God's Revelation on Mountains
[01:00:03] - Climbing Mount Moriah with Abraham
[01:02:13] - The Test of Abraham
[01:06:11] - Facing Unexpected Mountains
[01:10:01] - The Only Way is Through
[01:10:57] - Three Points for Climbing
[01:15:46] - Never Climb Alone
[01:20:04] - Different Types of Mountains
[01:25:15] - God's Tests and Our Growth
[01:29:23] - God's Knowledge and Our Faith
[01:33:57] - God's Governance Over Temptation
[01:35:00] - Trials in a Broken World
[01:39:20] - Born to Climb
[01:43:11] - Naming Your Mountain
[01:47:56] - Jesus' Climb and Our Victory
[01:51:03] - The End of Your Mountain
[01:53:59] - Closing Prayer and Blessing
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Genesis 22:1-14 (ESV)
> "After these things God tested Abraham and said to him, 'Abraham!' And he said, 'Here I am.' He said, 'Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.' So Abraham rose early in the morning, saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him, and his son Isaac. And he cut the wood for the burnt offering and arose and went to the place of which God had told him. On the third day Abraham lifted up his eyes and saw the place from afar. Then Abraham said to his young men, 'Stay here with the donkey; I and the boy will go over there and worship and come again to you.' And Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering and laid it on Isaac his son. And he took in his hand the fire and the knife. So they went both of them together. And Isaac said to his father Abraham, 'My father!' And he said, 'Here I am, my son.' He said, 'Behold, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?' Abraham said, 'God will provide for himself the lamb for a burnt offering, my son.' So they went both of them together. When they came to the place of which God had told him, Abraham built the altar there and laid the wood in order and bound Isaac his son and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. Then Abraham reached out his hand and took the knife to slaughter his son. But the angel of the Lord called to him from heaven and said, 'Abraham, Abraham!' And he said, 'Here I am.' He said, 'Do not lay your hand on the boy or do anything to him, for now I know that you fear God, seeing you have not withheld your son, your only son, from me.' And Abraham lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, behind him was a ram, caught in a thicket by his horns. And Abraham went and took the ram and offered it up as a burnt offering instead of his son. So Abraham called the name of that place, 'The Lord will provide'; as it is said to this day, 'On the mount of the Lord it shall be provided.'"
#### Observation Questions
1. What resources do mountains provide according to the sermon? ([54:34])
2. How did Abraham respond when God called him to sacrifice Isaac? ([01:00:50])
3. What are the three types of mountains mentioned in the sermon, and what are their sources? ([01:21:54])
4. How does the sermon describe God's presence during our climbs up life's mountains? ([01:15:46])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think God chose to test Abraham in such a dramatic way on Mount Moriah? ([01:02:13])
2. How can the "and then" moments in our lives serve as opportunities for spiritual growth? ([56:21])
3. What does it mean that we are "born to climb," and how does this concept apply to our daily lives? ([01:39:20])
4. How does the story of Abraham and Isaac illustrate the importance of trust and faith in God's promises? ([01:02:13])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent "and then" moment in your life. How did you respond, and what did you learn from that experience? ([56:21])
2. Think about a current challenge you are facing. How can you apply the lesson of "never climbing alone" to this situation? ([01:15:46])
3. Abraham's willingness to sacrifice Isaac showed his deep trust in God. Is there something in your life that you need to trust God with more fully? ([01:02:13])
4. Identify a "mountain" in your life that you feel unprepared to climb. What smaller challenges has God used to prepare you for this moment? ([01:39:20])
5. How can you support someone else in your community who is currently facing a difficult climb? What practical steps can you take to be there for them? ([01:15:46])
6. Reflect on the idea that God's blessings can sometimes become idols. Is there anything in your life that you might be valuing more than God? ([01:31:55])
7. How can you remind yourself daily that God is with you in every step of your journey, especially during difficult times? ([01:16:15])
Devotional
Day 1: Mountains as Sources of Wealth and Necessity
Mountains are often perceived as obstacles, but they are also sources of great wealth and necessity. They provide essential resources like fresh water, timber, and minerals. Similarly, the challenges we face in life can bring out valuable qualities in us, such as resilience, faith, and strength. These qualities are necessary for our spiritual growth and well-being. When we encounter difficulties, we should remember that these "mountains" can be opportunities for God to develop our character and deepen our faith. Embracing this perspective can transform how we view and handle life's challenges. [54:34]
Isaiah 55:10-11 (ESV): "For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it."
Reflection: Think of a recent challenge you faced. How did it help you grow in resilience, faith, or strength? How can you view future challenges as opportunities for growth?
Day 2: The "And Then" Moments
Life is filled with unexpected challenges that turn our smooth paths into steep climbs. These "and then" moments can be overwhelming, but they are also opportunities for growth. The only way to overcome these challenges is to go up, and while up is hard, it is also where we find our strength and maturity in Christ. Embracing these moments with faith and determination can lead to significant spiritual growth and a deeper relationship with God. Remember, the journey may be tough, but the rewards of perseverance and faith are invaluable. [56:21]
James 1:2-4 (ESV): "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
Reflection: Recall an "and then" moment in your life. How did you respond to it? What steps can you take to embrace future challenges with faith and determination?
Day 3: God's Tests and Our Faith
Abraham's test on Mount Moriah was about more than obedience; it was about trust and faith in God's promises. God tests us not to make us fail but to bring out the best in us. These tests are opportunities to deepen our faith and trust in God, knowing that He is always with us. When we face tests, we should remember that God is refining us and preparing us for greater things. Trusting in His promises and His presence can help us navigate these tests with confidence and hope. [01:02:13]
1 Peter 1:6-7 (ESV): "In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ."
Reflection: Think about a time when you felt tested by God. How did it impact your faith? How can you trust in God's promises and presence during future tests?
Day 4: Never Climb Alone
We are never alone in our journey. God accompanies us in every step, providing the strength and guidance we need. Additionally, we are part of a larger family of believers who can support and encourage us. Climbing alone is not only unnecessary but also unwise. Leaning on God and our community can provide the support and strength we need to overcome life's mountains. Remember, God has placed people in our lives to help us, and we should not hesitate to seek their support and encouragement. [01:15:46]
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (ESV): "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!"
Reflection: Who are the people in your life that you can lean on for support and encouragement? How can you be intentional about seeking their help and offering your support to others?
Day 5: Born to Climb
God prepares us for the mountains we face by teaching us through smaller challenges. Just as Abraham faced various mountains before Mount Moriah, we too are equipped through our experiences. God ensures that we have the strength and faith to overcome any challenge, knowing that He is always with us. Embracing the smaller challenges as preparation for greater ones can help us build the resilience and faith needed to face life's biggest mountains. Trust in God's preparation and His presence in your journey. [01:39:20]
Psalm 18:32-33 (ESV): "The God who equipped me with strength and made my way blameless. He made my feet like the feet of a deer and set me secure on the heights."
Reflection: Reflect on a small challenge you faced recently. How did it prepare you for a bigger challenge? How can you trust in God's preparation and presence in your current and future challenges?
Quotes
### Quotes for outreach
1. "Things that we need in life, things that make life better, come out of mountains. The problem isn't what's there. The problem is the only way to get it is you got to go up. And up isn't always easy. Up can be hard." [55:30] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Most things, I was thinking about this. And most things worth doing are up. For example. We have phrases. We say grow up. Stand up. Sit up. Build up. Bring up. Fix up. Pick up. Save up. Shape up. Take up. Look up. Lift up. If you're facing some kind of a difficulty in life as Christians. It's important that we be prayed up. Right? Up is good. Up is important. But up is hard. Down is easy. You can coast. Up, not quite so much." [57:25] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Everything that God has for us is up. Everything God has for you is up. According to the Apostle Paul, he's telling us that. And that the path to maturing. To becoming more Christ-like is always up. How many of you have recognized and walked with Jesus long enough that in order to mature and grow in this thing. This faith walk that we're on. It takes effort. It takes energy. It takes intent. Because it's up." [58:36] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "If you're in Christ today, and you're facing a mountain, listen, it's yours to climb. I promise you that. It's yours to climb. Maybe it sounds difficult. Maybe confusing. Maybe something you'd rather not do. But if you're in Christ, and there's some situation facing you, it's yours to climb. And God has prepared you for it, and you can do it. promise you that. You can do it. He's taught you. And a lot of times I've found in my life, I've learned things I didn't know I learned. That God has showed me and put inside of me things I didn't know were there until they were tested." [01:43:11] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Jesus didn't stay dead. He rose from the dead. And for us today, what that tells us is that you can climb your mountain, not only because Jesus is climbing with you, but because he's already climbed the mountain for you. There's no temptation. There's no test. There's no trial that he didn't experience as a man that he didn't carry to his cross, that he didn't die for it and resurrect above it so that he can give you, your victory when you climb your mountain. There's no mountain that Jesus hasn't already conquered." [01:50:07] (54 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for members
1. "Let me try and apply it a little bit more to our lives. Have you ever experienced or had an end then in life? You know, you're walking along. Life's going by. Typical kind of day. And then? And then the phone call. And then the text. And then the, and you fill in the blank. I think we probably have all experienced maybe more than one time those end then kinds of moments. Well, that happens in our walk as a Christian too. That we're journeying along with the Lord and then. And, you know, we have, and this story follows the end then. And what happens is and then our Christian walk that we're enjoying suddenly becomes a climb. Suddenly becomes harder." [56:21] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Mountains in the Bible. Where God makes Himself known. Where God demonstrates His power. Where God discloses to us His will and His purpose. Where God sets a course and a direction. And it all happens in mountains. So, we're going to look at not so much just the mountains. But we're going to look at those that, and the lives of those that He called to climb those mountains." [59:20] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "You never climb alone. We all face these hard times in life. We all come to difficult times in life. It's there. Suddenly it's there. And maybe you're there right now. And I hope that today you find some encouragement if that's true. But number one, you never climb alone. I told you at the beginning, I've never climbed a mountain. And I have no desire to go climb a mountain. It just looks terrible. Like, I don't understand people who like to climb mountains. But to each his own. I've never done that. But I do know this. If I ever were to climb a mountain, I promise you, I promise you two things. Number one, I'm not going alone. And number two, I'm not taking an amateur with me." [01:12:06] (53 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Not all mountains are the same. There's different kinds of mountains in the natural. I learned that mountains are classified. Now there's different, systems that, that add these, that mean nothing to me, but if I, you're a climber, they probably do, but they're classified some one group classifies them as a, as a between one and seven gives them a number between one and seven. There's another one's one in five and it depends on grade and difficulty. So you're, you're, you should a climb mountain that your skill is equal to. Like if you have the skill for a, and are trained to, to climb a number two rated mountain, you shouldn't climb a number six rated mountain. That would be stupid. Okay. So, so they're graded and in our spiritual journey, the same is true. Not, not all mountains are the same." [01:21:06] (57 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "God tests us. God never tempts us. It's impossible for God to tempt you because temptation is towards evil and God never does evil and he would never violate relationship by trying to trip you up trying to get you to sin. God's never ever going to do that. In fact much the opposite. You know, he does he governs the degree of temptation that comes into your life. He knows what you can handle. He knows what's what you can bear and he may allow enough to push you to your limits. But he governs it where and in in that the Bible says he always provides a way of escape. There's always a way out. Listen, we need to something we need to understand something the devil can't make you do it. He can't you always have the ability to say no to temptation. You always have the power to walk away. You always have the power to turn the channel. You always have the power to not engage. You always have the ability. Because the Spirit of God is in you and God doesn't tempt which means with every temptation. There's a way out and it's it's trusting in him and doing what you know is right. No matter what your flesh is telling you no matter how justified you may feel in doing it." [01:33:57] (84 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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