Once upon a time I was given the directive to “escape to the mountain” by God. Now this mountain he directed me to was in full-time Christian service. First as a Missionary then to Pastor. Little did I know then that God would; 1. get me to the mountain, 2. get me up the mountain, 3. get me on top of the mountain, 4. keep me in the mountain, and 5. get his glory for doing number’s 1-4 as he rightfully should.
I take this line from Genesis 19:17, “And it came to pass, when they had brought them forth abroad, that he said, “Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain; escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed.” See Lot had everything going for him; his uncle was Abraham, he was blessed with money and possessions, and he had seen God work and move in his uncle’s life. Yet he desired the plains of Jordan (Gen. 13:10).
After all that God had blessed him with, after all that God had graciously done for him, and after all that God had allowed him to see what his mighty hand could do; Lot still wanted more… the plains. Yep, me to a “T”. But this is the good part! God still loved Lot, ie: me, as he mercifully pulled him out of Sodom (Gen. 19:16). He was not obligated. Lot, ie: me, should have been consumed as he put himself in that position. But no. God in his love, grace, and mercy bestowed upon Lot, ie: me, something he was of by no means worthy.
His calling is once more in the same order and to the same positions. God, as you want me on that mountain and not in the plains, please, get me to that mountain. I trust you. I submit to you. In my own strength I cannot accomplish this endeavor as there must not be any “I”. It can only be You. Your Will. Your Service. Your Glory.
Grace and peace, James