“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Phillipians 4:13)

This past week I began my my studies for a Master’s Degree. Exciting! For the last few weeks, I’ve been thinking how we are all in a race, looking towards a goal. The goal may be different for each one of us. Some of my friends began their studies this year and some are continuing them. They feel the pressure of all the school work and of getting it all done on time and in the best way possible. Some dear people I know have been quite ill and need prayer. They are on the road to recovery now and for them, the goal is getting well and back to themselves – a task which might be just as difficult as physically climbing a mountain. Others are preparing for the army, passing a driver’s test or deciding what to do, now that they have finished a certain phase in life. Whatever the goal may be, for some it is like climbing a mountain – they may not see the top, but rather see all the twists and turns leading to it, wondering how and when they will get there, if at all. A mountain climb can be difficult and exhausting, especially when you are not used to it. However, when you have a strong and seasoned guide taking you up, it becomes SO much easier, because he steers you away from slippery slopes and shows you where to place your foot and hold on with your hand, so you make it safely to the top. All these things might seem overwhelming and frightening, especially when we don’t know what exactly the future holds. However, we need to remember that the Lord Yeshua holds our future in His hands, as Jeremiah 29:11 says: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future”. We can draw encouragement and just put our hands in His, and let Him lead us just by remembering that He has our best in His plans for us.

As I thought of all this, I remembered this song, which is a favourite of mine. You may remember that I shared another song from Psalty previously in Where has the love gone. I grew up on Psalty songs (Kids Praise! album), and I still love those songs :). This is one of those great songs of encouragement and it has accomplished its purpose many times:

Happy climbing. Some of us will definitely meet along the way. But, we will all definitely meet at the top! (Song lyrics are at the bottom)

© Hannah Kramer

One step at a time

When something seems
Too hard to handle,
Too big to conquer,
Too far away to touch.

When all your dreams
Begin to shatter,
And deep inside you
You’re hurting’, oh, so much.

That’s when it’s time to say

Refrain:

I’m climbing my mountain, step by step,
I’m climbing my mountain, day by day,
I’m climbing my mountain, all the way,
I’m climbing my mountain.
I’m gonna make it!

Chorus:

One step at a time.
One step at a time.
One step at a time.
With Jesus by my side.

One step at a time.
One step at a time.
I’m climbing my mountain,
One step at a time.

Even though you might grow weary,
Don’t be discouraged.
In your weakness God is strong.
Remember this, He’ll never leave you,
He won’t forsake you,
He’s your strength and He’s your song.

So sing and start to say…