That Mountain

When exercising your faith, when spending time with the Lord, part of that time typically involves studying the Bible. The Bible is filled with scriptures and God’s promises that easily apply to your daily walk. One particular promise I really grabbed hold to when this mountain of a situation presented itself.

Lord, by faith I’m asking you to move this mountain. Then I recalled an old Baptist hymn that says, “Lord don’t move this mountain; give me the strength to climb it.” Hmm...I even recalled hearing, “Lord, if you don’t move this mountain, help me to tunnel through.” Hmm...I prayed and cried.  I cried and prayed.

So here I am, mustering up as much faith as I possibly can and I said ok God, so about that mountain. In my finite mind it seemed inevitable that it wasn’t going anywhere so as I prayed, I said, “Lord, if you don’t move this mountain, give me all the tools…no scratch that, give me everything I need to build a house right on this mountain. My finite mind said yes that is the answer-if that mountain won’t move, we just have to use it!

Now fast forward to the answer.

1.  I didn’t climb the mountain.

2.  I didn’t tunnel through the mountain.

3.  I sure didn’t build a house on that mountain.

That still small voice spoke to me and said what exactly was that scripture you started out your prayers with? I opened my Bible to Mark 11:23 and read, “For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says.”

The mountain would do what? It would be removed.

Oh, so you won’t be building that house on the mountain?

No, Lord, I won’t. Thank you for moving that mountain.

Mic drop.

Peace,

SharB~TTSD

Hope Remains

Time is ongoing and with time comes change, which is apparent now more than ever.  Until the time comes when we cease to exist, we ought to strive to live our best life focusing on the long term and on the celebration of life.  Although discouragement comes through the chaos of this world, the multiple injustices, the prejudices, and the corruption plaguing our social systems and healthcare, and is enough to break us and shake us to our core, we must remain steadfast, remain committed to fighting, resisting, and standing for what is right.

Back to the title of my blog, Take the Scaffolding Down, the purpose of scaffolding is to provide a temporary supporting structure, and if taken down too soon, the safety of the structure is severely compromised. Speaking metaphorically the stability of the scaffolding in our lives is falling down for many. I refer back to our healthcare system which is relied upon by millions to be available, accessible, and affordable; however, those reassurances that we have come to rely upon are quickly falling apart.  Part of the 492 false claims (lies) made by the current United States president during his first 100 days is that no one would lose health care and there would be no cuts to Medicaid.  The current healthcare proposal threatens to cut Medicaid spending by 35% by 2035 affecting our most vulnerable population.

The fragility of so many American citizens emphasizes the need to fight on, to march on, and to stand for truth and equality.  One thing is sure, Truth does not change, Truth remains stable through and through. While we fight, we must hold on to faith and not allow our faith to be tied to circumstances.  Circumstances are unpredictable and ever-changing but I admonish you to persevere in your faith as a family, as a community, and as a nation.

Don’t ever lose hope.

Through these times of uncertainty remember that all you have worked hard for and continue working hard for is not in vain. Won’t you trust and believe with me that the promise God made to Israel can be our promise today, His plans are to prosper us and not to harm us, plans to give us hope and a future, (Jeremiah 29:11) paraphrased.

This is what must propel you to keep on striving.

Peace,

SharB~TTSD