Trusting God When Life Feels Like a Never-Ending Hike
Have you ever found yourself standing at the base of a massive mountain and thought, “There’s no way I’m getting to the top of that”? It’s a feeling many of us understand. Life can often feel just like that—daunting, exhausting, and seemingly impossible to navigate. Whether you’re facing a mountain of debt, struggling through a challenging relationship, or just feeling crushed under the weight of everyday stressors, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
I think back to times in my own life when the challenges felt too big to tackle. I remember nights spent tossing and turning, worrying about my financial situation, or days when it felt like everything was going wrong in my relationships. In those moments, it’s hard to see a way forward.
But here’s the good news: We’re not meant to face these mountains alone. There’s a sense of comfort in knowing that we can lean on something greater than ourselves. For many, faith can provide that lifeline. It’s a reminder that we don’t have to bear the weight of our burdens on our own. God invites us to bring our struggles to Him, to trust in His power to help us move those mountains we can’t seem to climb.
And the beauty of it all? He’s so much better at moving mountains than we are at climbing them. When we put our trust in Him, we discover that what feels insurmountable can actually become manageable. We see those daunting challenges transform, and what once seemed impossible can become a stepping stone toward growth and healing.
So, the next time you find yourself staring up at that metaphorical mountain, remember: You’re not alone on this journey. Lean into that trust, and allow the strength that comes from faith to carry you through. It might just change your perspective—and your path.
Faith Isn’t About Denying the Mountain
Let’s start by addressing the elephant (or should I say, mountain?) in the room: faith doesn’t mean pretending the mountain isn’t there. It’s not about sticking your fingers in your ears and singing “la-la-la” while ignoring the fact that life is hard.
The Bible is full of stories where God’s people faced literal and figurative mountains. Think about Moses standing at the Red Sea with Pharaoh’s army closing in. Or David staring down Goliath, the original mountain of a man. Or Peter stepping out of the boat into a stormy sea. Each of these moments was terrifying and very, very real.
But here’s the kicker: they didn’t face their challenges alone. Moses didn’t part the Red Sea with a stick and some elbow grease; God did. David didn’t slay Goliath because of his impressive slingshot skills; God directed the stone. And Peter? Well, he walked on water until he doubted—and then Jesus caught him.
Faith isn’t about denying the mountain; it’s about believing that God is bigger than it.
When the Mountain Won’t Move (Fast Enough)
Let’s get real for a second: sometimes God doesn’t move the mountain on our timeline. You pray, you believe, you even throw in some fasting for good measure—and yet the mountain stands there, mocking you like, “Still here!”
It’s frustrating, isn’t it? But here’s where faith really gets tested. Faith isn’t just believing that God can move the mountain; it’s trusting His timing, even when it feels like He’s taking forever.
Take Joseph, for example. He was sold into slavery by his brothers, falsely accused, and thrown into prison for years. YEARS. If anyone had the right to look up at God and say, “Hey, you wanna step in here?” it was Joseph. But God was working behind the scenes, preparing him to save an entire nation—and his family.
Sometimes, God doesn’t move the mountain because He’s using it to shape us. He’s building perseverance, character, and hope (Romans 5:3-5). And honestly, as much as we’d love Him to snap His fingers and make our problems disappear, the climb often teaches us more than the summit ever could.
Faith Isn’t a Magic Wand
Let’s take a moment to unpack this common misunderstanding about faith. It’s easy to think of faith as some kind of magical tool we can use to get what we want—sort of like waving a wand and expecting instant changes. We might find ourselves thinking, “If I just believe hard enough, surely God will make my boss more tolerable!” But that’s not how faith works at all.
True faith is less about wielding control and more about surrender. It’s about letting go of our own plans and saying, “God, I trust You with this mountain I’m facing—whether You choose to move it, help me climb over it, or carry me through the tough times.” This approach shifts the focus from our desires to a deeper alignment with God’s will.
Embracing this concept can be tough, especially when we’re dealing with difficult circumstances. Maybe your heart is heavy due to a broken relationship or you’re grappling with a health crisis. In those moments, surrendering our struggles feels incredibly daunting. It can often feel like we’re in the midst of chaos, and we can’t see God’s hand at work.
But here’s the bright side: God’s plans are always so much better than anything we could imagine for ourselves. Even when we’re in the thick of our pain and can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel, we can trust that He’s weaving everything together for a greater good. Romans 8:28 reminds us of this promise—that, in the end, He works all things together for good—even when the path looks unclear.
So the next time we encounter a mountain in our lives, let’s remember that faith is not a wish-granting spell. It’s about embracing the journey, trusting in God’s wisdom, and recognizing that He’s with us every step of the way, guiding and supporting us as we navigate the challenges of life.
Practical Steps for Faith-Fueled Mountain Moving
Okay, so what does it actually look like to have faith that moves mountains? Let’s break it down:
- Pray Like You Believe It Prayer isn’t just a wishlist for God; it’s a conversation. It’s where you lay down your fears, doubts, and frustrations and invite Him into your situation. And here’s the key: pray boldly. Matthew 17:20 says that faith as small as a mustard seed can move mountains, so don’t hold back. Tell God what’s on your heart and trust Him to handle it.
- Speak Life Over Your Situation Our words have power. Instead of complaining about how big your mountain is, start declaring how big your God is. Say it out loud: “This mountain isn’t bigger than my God!” It might feel silly at first, but speaking life shifts your perspective and builds your faith.
- Take a Step of Faith Faith isn’t passive; it’s active. Sometimes, moving the mountain means taking the first step toward it. Is your mountain financial? Start by creating a budget. Is it relational? Have that hard conversation. Trust that God will guide your steps as you move forward.
- Surround Yourself with Encouragement You’re not meant to face the mountain alone. Find a community of faith-filled people who will pray for you, cheer you on, and remind you of God’s promises when you’re ready to give up. And don’t underestimate the power of worship—it has a way of shifting the atmosphere and lifting your spirit.
- Celebrate Small Wins Sometimes, the mountain doesn’t move all at once. Celebrate the little victories along the way. Did you make progress today? Thank God for it. Gratitude keeps your heart soft and your faith strong.
Laughter Is Good for the Climb
Let’s not forget to laugh in our journey of faith. It doesn’t always have to be a serious endeavor. After all, if God has a sense of humor—just look at the platypus! It’s good for us to find joy, even when the road ahead seems steep and challenging.
Just the other day, my toddler had an interesting take on helping with chores. I filled a basket with clean laundry, and just as I turned my back for a moment, my little one decided that our dog would love a surprise shower of clothes! Yes, it was a bit frustrating at the time, trying to gather everything back together and sort it out. But you know what? I couldn’t help but chuckle about it later. In that chaotic moment, I was reminded that life’s mountains do come with their share of silliness.
These little adventures remind us how important it is to embrace the lighter side of life. Even when things get tough, those unexpected moments can bring a smile to our faces. So let’s crack a joke, share a hearty laugh, and remember that through it all, God’s got this. After all, it’s in those joyful moments that we truly experience the beauty of life!
The Ultimate Mountain Mover
At the end of the day, the greatest mountain that God ever moved was the one that stood between us and Him. It’s easy to feel isolated, as if there’s an insurmountable barrier keeping us from experiencing a true connection with the divine. But through Jesus, that barrier has been broken down. He made a way for us to step into a relationship with God—a relationship overflowing with grace, love, and the strength to tackle whatever challenges come our way.
Life can feel overwhelming at times, and we all have our own mountains to face. Whether it’s personal struggles, loss, fear, or uncertainty about the future, those mountains can seem daunting. But in those moments of doubt and difficulty, it’s essential to remember that you’re not climbing alone. Imagine the comforting presence of God, who not only created the universe but also cares deeply for each of us. He is right there beside you, cheering you on, illuminating your path, and ready to lend a hand when you feel like you can’t take another step.
Trust that when you encounter a mountain that seems too steep, God is there to guide your steps. Sometimes, that might mean He gives you the strength to keep climbing, and other times, it might mean He works wonders, moving the mountain out of your way entirely. Embrace the truth that you are loved, supported, and never alone in your journey. Your struggles are not just yours to bear; they are part of a greater story where God walks alongside you every step of the way.
Final Thoughts
Life can feel like a series of daunting mountains, can’t it? Those peaks often seem so intimidating, towering over us with challenges that seem insurmountable. But here’s the beautiful truth: we have a God who loves to turn the impossible into the possible. Whether He decides to move that mountain out of our way, give us the strength to climb it, or simply walk alongside us as we navigate through it, His assurance is clear: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9).
So, let’s take a moment to breathe and gather our courage. Lace up those hiking boots! It’s time to face whatever mountains are looming in front of us. Remember, even faith as small as a mustard seed has the power to change everything. When you stand at the foot of your mountain, don’t forget to find joy in the journey. Each step, each struggle, and each little victory contributes to a story worth telling.
What mountain are you grappling with today? Is it a personal challenge, a relationship issue, or something at work? Whatever it may be, I invite you to share it in the comments. Let’s support and pray for one another. Together, with our faith, we’ll climb those mountains and move them out of our way. After all, we’re not alone on this journey. Let’s lift each other up and embrace the adventure!
