PROBLEMS WILL CEASE - YOU WILL CONTINUE

PROBLEMS WILL CEASE – YOU WILL CONTINUE

 An old gospel song contains simple but powerful lyrics: “I’m so glad that trouble don’t last always.”  Although its grammar might be incorrect, its theological message is right on target.  Be encouraged, my friend, for there is a definite end-point for your current challenges.

 Widely recognized as the tallest mountain in the world, Mount Everest rises 29,035 feet (8,850 meters) above sea level.  In the early 1920’s, the famed mountain climber, George Mallory, launched a number of attempts to scale Mount Everest.  In his third and final attempt (1924), Mallory died climbing the mountain.  Before that fatal attempt, he announced “I can’t see myself coming down defeated.”

 Mallory was an extraordinary climber, and nothing would force him to give up.  His body was found in 1999, well preserved by the snow and ice, 27,000 feet up the mountain, just 2,000 feet from the peak.  Give up he did not.  His body was found face down on the rocky slope, head toward the summit.  His arms were extended high over his head.  His toes were pointed into the mountain; his fingers dug into the rock, refusing to let go even as he drew his last breath.

 Those who maintained Mallory’s base camp farther down the mountain soon returned to England and a banquet was held in Mallory’s honor.  A huge picture of Mount Everest stood behind the head table.  When the leader of the group stood to be applauded, with tears streaming down his face, he turned and gazed defiantly at the picture.  “I speak to you, Mount Everest, in the name of all brave men living, dead and unborn.  Mount Everest, you defeated us once; you defeated us twice; you defeated us three times.  But Mount Everest, we shall someday defeat you.  YOU CANNOT GET ANY BIGGER; BUT WE CAN.”

 In 1953 two climbers, Sir Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Norgay, reached the top of Mount Everest.  My friend, never forget that today’s crisis has a finite shelf life.  You will outlast and overcome because you are in covenant with an infinite, almighty, compassionate and loving God.

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING.  Maranatha!