The View From the Other Side

One of my favorite books is "The Secret Place of Strength" by Marie Chapian. It never fails to give me hope and to remind me of who God is. I don't think it's in print anymore, but if you ever come across a copy of it, you should buy it!

This is what I read from Ms. Chapian today:

Who reaches the peaks of high mountains?

Who is able to describe for us the distant side of treacherous cliffs?

Who dares to climb higher, press farther, endure the tempest of great heights?

You can.

Will you endure the storm?

Will you engage in the climb?

The mountain waits.

Climb above the sharp stones of trial and loss;

invest in joy.

Refuse to give in to temptations and despair.

Renounce self-pity.

It imprisons you.

Your heart was meant to soar with joy.

Do not allow fear to capture your best, to paralyze your strength.

Keep climbing!

Reach the heights!

I have a mountaintop reserved just for you.

When I was first diagnosed with cancer I received a message from a woman I've never met. She and her husband had both battled cancer at the same time. They are both alive and well today. Her words stuck with me. She said that the road would be long and the climb would be steep, but the view from the other side is amazing - looking back and seeing the work of God's hand in your life. I think that is what Ms. Chapian is talking about here too, "Who is able to describe for us the distant side of treacherous cliffs?" Only those who've made the journey. Thank you, Lord, for allowing me to make the journey. I can't wait to see the view from the other side!

"No weapon forged against you will prevail,"  Isaiah 54:17a

"How beautiful is the person who comes over the mountains to bring good news, who announces peace and brings good news, who announces salvation and says to Jerusalem, 'Your God is King.'"   Isaiah 52:7