Rugged Ground
by Jim Person
Recently my wife and I were talking with a friend about the things we did when we were younger, and they mentioned doing rock hopping, where one would jump from rock to rock, thus avoiding the gap between them. This has been on my mind since that time, and I began to realise how much I have seen or noticed this type of behavior in peoples’ lives.
As a young man, I loved to rock climb, and when I was down below my objective, I would gaze up on the rock face analysing its surface. In this way, I mapped my route, avoiding the places that were questionable. All the time I was swatting away the bugs that liked the low area below. Always, I had in my mind the moment when I would reach the top, and the joy of being there and the satisfaction of accomplishing my goal.
When I attained the top, I would stay up there as long as I could, enjoying the wind that would blow away the bugs and provide me with a cooler, more refreshing environment. It was wonderful being on top of the rock! Up on top I had a better view of my surroundings, and it was exhilarating. Sometimes, I would bring my camping equipment and stay even longer in this place. To wake up and experience the most amazing sunrise from that place is too difficult for me to describe. It was spectacular, it was beautiful, and I wanted to stay. I remembered thinking it would be amazing to be able to jump from one high place to the other, and never have to descend again into the lower dark areas below me.
This is so often our attitude as we journey through our lives. We just want to stay on the heights, away from the low places that bring difficulties and obstructions that block our view and hinder our progress, away from the little things that bug us, influencing our lives and driving us crazy. Oh, to be able to hop from rock to rock, from high point to high point! To be able to stay in that place of freedom and vision would be so great.
What seems impossible is possible with God, let him make level your way today. He can and will, as we include Him in the nitty gritty areas that drive us crazy. Let Him send that refreshing breeze, and clear your vision, so you can live a life free from obstructions.
Prayer: Thank You, Father, for lowering the high places, and raising up the low. It seems lately, Lord, that it has been a rugged journey for me, but I look to You to smooth out my path before me. I need You. Take my hand and guide me today, Father, and give that peace that I need, knowing You’re at work in my life. Amen.
Jim Person Jim grew up in Alaska and from a small child commercial fished every summer with his family. God called him, his wife Tanya, and their four children to move to Hungary as missionaries in 2003. God then led him to join Ellel Ministries in 2005. After serving in various positions with Ellel in Central and Eastern Europe, God led them back to the United States, where he is now serving with the Ellel USA team. Jim and Tanya have a passion to see leaders restored, the church discipled and walking in God’s fullness of life and freedom. They also love mentoring the existing and developing Ellel teams wherever God leads them. Jim also has a real gift for working with the land to create a beautiful and welcoming environment.
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