Faith

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Kayla thought the climb up the mountain would be an effortless one. After all, she had become very close to her Lord and she knew she was His child and that He would keep her. Although she had known Jesus all her life she had just recently decided to walk with Him seriously and she was still considered a baby Christian with much to learn. In Kayla’s renewed love and ignorance she began to seek the spiritual gifts of the Lord, having no idea what she was really asking for. She did not realize that there is a preparation process involved with most gifts from God.

She was comfortable on the ledge of that mountain where she stood but as she looked up she saw the mountain got steeper and steeper and she was too eager to climb it, too soon. Kayla went to take a step and she slipped as she was looking up. She lost her footing and fell…oh what a horrible fall! It was a long way down and once she hit the bottom, there she stayed. In her distress she wondered how she got there. Was she disobedient…too prideful? Was her heart not right? Was it a test or was it an attack from the devil himself? Surly her Lord would not let her experience such hell, but he did. She desperately wanted to get up and start the climb again. In her spirit she knew it was the only way, less she rot and wither into nothing. It was an internal struggle, the spirit over the mind, the dying of the flesh.

Kayla sought Jesus and his comfort hour after hour, day by day, week after week until the months came and went. This was her own darkness, her own garden of Gethsemane and she hated every agonizing moment of it. Although she knew the Lord was always there, He let her stay in that place for as long as He could bear. Kayla was angry with Him for it, because it was so painful and no end was in sight. Then one afternoon while Kayla was crying at His feet in prayer he spoke to her, “Behold, I make all things new”. Later that day she stumbled upon a scripture (Isaiah 41:9-10) as she fumbled through her bible.
“I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you. I said, ‘You are my servant’; I have chosen you and have not rejected you. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

By His grace He gave her enough strength to look beyond herself and with tearful eyes she looked at the mountain again. She was terrified to climb this time; she would have to learn to trust in the Lord again. The last thing she could handle was another fall. So, bruised and broken but not alone and with the power of Christ she began to climb.
She climbed very slowly and cautiously, careful not to look back or ahead. She stayed focused on every step, day by day, week after week, month by month.

One night in a dream Kayla had a vision from the top of that mountain. The view overlooked a beautiful lake and the sun was radiant and glistened on the water and the mountain. It was a breathtaking serene view. At the top of the mountain Kayla saw a dear friend standing with a smile encouraging her to join him at the peak and she did!


Less I stumble, less I fall
I will not rise to answer His Call
Pain and sorrow are necessary,
To die to this flesh…

But on the contrary
Many rewards will wait for me
In His heavenly kingdom which
I long to see

Because I love Him
And He died for me
I will serve Him as long
As there is breathe in me

Kimberly Scarberry

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