Since moving into our home almost four years ago, we have enjoyed the view of a small lake from our back yard. We watch sunrises, fish jumping, duck swimming, geese fighting and cranes flying. However, there is one other thing we have noticed which is not all that beautiful. In fact, I have saved you the boring picture!

There is this ugly, tree-length log that floats about on the water. Just when we think a storm has finally floated it out of our line of sight, it returns without fail.

Each time it reappears, I am reminded of words I have heard Joyce Meyer speak about “going around the same mountain.” It references our being stuck in the same rut with our relationship with God, never moving forward in our lives to glorify Him or receive His blessings.

Perhaps we are fearful of trekking up that mountain. At least by now we are familiar with the well-trodden path around the base. But are we happy, fulfilled, becoming who God has planned for us to be. Probably not if our feet have not landed in new territory in quite some time. Respectable fear is one thing, but paralyzing fear is not what God has intended for us. “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1)

The time has come for us to commence being a knot on that log that aimlessly floats in my tiny lake. We have a message to spread. We have a mountain to climb with God by our side, holding our hand, carrying us when the terrain is too rough and situations are more than we can bear. The time is now to live our lives with purpose for the glory of God, for the expansion of His Kingdom. To God Be the Glory!