Mountain climbing is supposedly a fun activity. And it’s not Brazilian samba. It may be fun ascending to the top of the world & having a clear view of everything for miles all around, but getting there takes strength, skill, supervision, steadfastness & succor. It can be dangerous too. Many people die, disappear or get hurt in the attempt.
Dr Paul Firth of the Massachusetts General Hospital, led a team of researchers to study the causes of death of Mount Everest climbers from 1921 to 2006. Although they mostly concentrated on the deaths that occurred above 8000 meters in the last 25years. Their findings are very instructive.
It’s mostly about fitness!
They found out that while many of the deaths on Mount Everest could be classified as traumatic (from falls, avalanche etc), most of the deaths were non traumatic. They were the results of excessive fatigue, falling behind other climbers & being left alone, or confusion & meltdown because of cerebral edema.
Climbers who were very physically & mentally fit, who studied the mountain terrain, worked in coordinating groups & followed Sherpas (guides) had greater chances of success & survival than those who didn’t. Those who were not ready to get it right, only died trying their best! Hmmm!
Get set for the high places!
Dr Firth, himself an Everest climber wrote; “mountaineering is for fun, it is not worth dying (for)…. appropriate caution is the hallmark of the elite mountaineer!” And that footnote comes in for 2021: This is the year to dare great things & go for the high places! But our preparations for the journey forward & upward will be key to success & survival!
We need to build spiritual fitness by securing our relationship with God, feeding on his word, praying, fasting, giving, forgiving hurts & serving others. Let’s develop mental fitness for the journey by meditation, visioning, decision & faith affirmations. Take the journey in a community of faith & love. And please, submit to the oversight of God honoring pastors, leaders & mentors.
Believe this!
In 2021, your covenant place is at the topmost top & #onlygoodthings are permitted in your life!
the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.
Then shalt thou delight thyself in the LORD; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth…
Isa 58:11,14
Prayer
The Lord command grace on you to go beyond every of your desires & expectations of 2021 in Jesus Christ name! You will please God & walk in the fullness of his blessings in Jesus Christ name!
Much Love!
George Izunwa
Lead Pastor
Jesus Exceeds Expectations!
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