My sister-in-law and myself decided that we still wanted to climb Big Daddy, since it was the highest sand dune in the Sossusvlei area and we did not know when we would have this opportunity again.  It didn’t take me long to realise that I underestimated this hike.  It was hot; the sand stinging my legs as the wind was picking up speed and trying its utmost best to blow my hat and sunglasses off my head.  I felt very small as a looked up ahead to those people almost at the summit.  It was a case of taking two steps forward but then sliding back one pace.  A little overwhelmed I decided on a strategy where I’d take ten steps, rest a few seconds and then another ten.  We reached the top of the 325m high sand dune and the 360-degree views were truly magnificent!    We experienced a sense of accomplishment and agreed that it was absolutely worth the effort.

As so often happens when spending time in nature, the Holy Spirit ministered to me.  A life lesson of sorts.

Our faith walk, is much like climbing a high sand dune or mountain.  We eagerly start out on our Christian walk wanting to do great things for our Lord and Saviour, Yeshua Messiah.   Life happens and years later many feel overwhelmed, disheartened, tired, indifferent or even lukewarm.  We seem to lose our spiritual fervour, focus and vision.  It is like climbing that dune and suddenly realising it is too challenging, too difficult.

Remember, it is not only about reaching the summit or an end goal, but about the whole journey – the ups and the downs.  When climbing any mountain, one must stop and turn around and look back at the progress made. That perspective is not only very rewarding, but vitally important because one suddenly realises that what seemed so difficult or insurmountable back down there, you already overcame.  Looking back, you can see the progress you made and how far you have come.  The higher you climb, the clearer your perspective and the more scenic the views.

In every season of our life, we have our mountain top experiences and our valleys.  Both are essential, both are beautiful.  Learn to trust Yeshua when you go through the dark valleys and also when you feel like you are on top of the world.  Do not rely on “self.”

It is a new day; another month and you are not the same person you were last year.  It is therefore important to look back and take stock of your faith walk.  When you identify those difficult moments in life; those seasons of tribulation, you also remember how God faithfully carried you through that storm.  We forget so easily.  Lamentations 3:22-23 “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness.”  2 Chron. 16:9a “For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him.”

The word “persevere” means: the continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties, failure, or opposition.  In our Christian faith it is the ability to be resilient and to steadfastly endure despite hardship, adversity, or challenges.

2 Cor. 4:7-10 “We have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.  We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed but not in despair; persecuted but not abandoned; struck down but not destroyed.  We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.”  Romans 12:11-12 “Never be lacking in zeal but keep your spiritual fervour serving the Lord.  Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”

HEBREWS 12:1b-3 “Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.  Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfector of our faith who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinful men so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”

Yeshua does the work in us.  Obey the Holy Spirit as He teaches you and directs your path.  Phil. 1:6 “Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you, will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

Galatians 6:9 “Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”

Isaiah 46:4 “Even to your old age and grey hairs I am He, I am He who will sustain you.  I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue You.”

Psalm 24:3-4a “Who may ascend the hill of the Lord?  Who may stand in His holy place?  He who has clean hands and a pure heart.”

You are not alone.  Abba Father has positioned fellow believers to encourage you when you feel overwhelmed and weary.  Persevere!  Continue to grow closer to Yeshua and together with Him, you will reach new mountaintops.

Charles Spurgeon once said: “Let us be banded together as one man; let us contend earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints; let us pray with fervour, let us live in holiness, let us preach constantly, and preach with fire, and let us so live, that we may impress our age, and leave our footprints on the sands of time.”