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"You have dwelt long enough at this mountain."
Deuteronomy 1:6

If God allowed us to live on the "mountain top," we would not experience trials, but neither would we achieve any victories.  The Israelites had gathered at the foot of Mount Horeb while God spoke to them and gave them His law.  It was a breathtaking experience!  Fire and smoke covered that awesome mountain; lightning flashed, and loud trumpet sounds pierced the air in a deafening crescendo!  The ground at the foot of the mountain shook, and the people trembled in fear (Exod. 19:16-25).

As important as it was for God’s people to have this inspiring encounter with Him, their Lord had not rescued them from Egypt in order for them to settle around a mountain in the wilderness.  God delivered them so that they could conquer the Promised Land.  God wanted to demonstrate His power to the Israelites so that they would trust Him in their conquest of Canaan.  Finally, God announced that they had been long enough at the mountain; it was time to go to battle.

The mountain is an enticing place to set up camp.  Peter, James, and John were prepared to reside on the Mount of Transfiguration with Jesus, but their Lord knew that a demon-possessed boy needed their assistance down below (Matt. 17:4, 14-18).  At times God will graciously provide you a mountaintop experience. These times come in many settings: during your time alone with Him, at a Christian conference, by reading a Christian book, or at a prayer meeting.  You may wish you could spend the rest of your life basking in the glow of your encounter with God.  But remember, these mountaintop encounters are God’s way of preparing you for the battles that await you.

Henry and Richard Blackaby
Experiencing God Day-by-Day

(Originally received: 7 September 2007)