What God Taught Me in the Mountains

 

By Karen Friday

Stay there. Stand in that spot while I do this. 

Last month I shared a blog article about my family’s trip to the beach. This week I journeyed to the great Smoky mountains of Tennessee where God spoke to me in real and wondrous ways.

Three high school friends embarked on an annual girls trip. Pictured; me, another Karen, and Teresa—yes, Teresa was outnumbered by Karens. We smiled and laughed. Became teary and cried. Chatted and deeply talked. Shopped and bought. Worked (a little) and played (a lot). Discussed God’s Word and prayed.

The mountainous backdrop of a Gatlinburg cabin became our getaway home for three days. (Former employer and friends, Charlie and Terri, graciously provide their vacation cabin.)

Girl Friday’s review; I give the place and trip an astounding two thumbs-up. In this case, Two Paws Up—the cabin name.

Thumbs-up lessons from God:

• A view with truth. Normally excited this time of year, fear was gripping my heart as we arrived. Vexed with an uncertain medical issue and a troubled week, I was booted out of town. One minute I was fine, the next, my mind imagined the worst case scenario. As I sat on the cabin deck with a glorious view of the mountains, His Word ushered in a glorious view of Him. The Lord whispered, “Karen, Guard your heart with truth—my truth.” God taught me when I stay focused on Him, His review of my life is an astounding two thumbs-up. He continually brought me to a place of truth. The stronghold of fear had filled my imaginations with quick and often false assumptions. The remedy according to 2 Corinthians 2: 3-5, For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.
• A heart of courage. People reach out to me weekly to convey their current heartaches and for prayer. I’m supposed to be the strong one—I reminded myself. However, what if’s plagued my heart adding another silent symptom no one knew. I wanted to be brave and courageous. But sometimes I’m a fragile warrior. My heart cowards under the weight of terror. So. I. Pretend. The Lord inquired, “Karen, who do you belong to? What is the source of your strength?” Bravery is always lost when I rely on my own strength. God taught me when my hands and heart are raised exalting Him, strength and bravery are increased. I wanted the moments I lacked courage booted out of my life. The remedy according to Psalm 138: 2-3, I bow down toward your temple and give thanks to your name…for you have exalted above all things your name and your word. On the day I called, you answered me; my strength of soul you increased. 
• A purpose to accomplish. Stay there. Stand in that spot while I do this. It was the last day of the trip. Taking pictures in front of the cabin, Teresa asked me to stay in place until she could join me while she showed the other Karen how to use the camera function on her phone. Impatient, I decided to entertain with funny faces and jumps heavenwards. The Lord nudged, “Stay there. Stand in that spot while I do this.” That’s it! The Lord is in control. Nothing can thwart His plans for me. I have a calling on my life. God taught me when I stay where He places me, He does a work. No matter what happens in life, God is still full of mercy, love, and goodness. God taught me to trust His plan to give me hope, purpose, and a future (Jeremiah 29:11). Hard places and the unknown are intended to set our hope fully on God. Whatever happens, God is still God and He is still in control. People, the enemy, or worries of life seemed to threaten God’s purpose for me. The remedy according to Psalm 138:8, The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands.

The Lord has a purpose for you. For. Your. Life. Stay focused on Him. Keep your hands and heart raised exalting Him. Stay where He places you while He does a work.

© 2015 by Karen Friday, All rights reserved