Recently I had a mountaintop experience…but probably not the type you are thinking of.
In January I had the chance to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro with a group of 12 Novo ministry partners to raise resources for Novo. I’d been on lots of figurative mountaintops but never a real one. In fact, I’d never been above 13,000 feet. But in my pursuit of doing hard things and challenging myself, I decided to give it a go.
We were camping and hiking for seven days in cold and rainy conditions. Sleeping on mats, eating camp food, and downing Advil like candy because our bodies were so sore...but progressing to our goal. On the last day, we woke up at 12am to complete the final challenge. Three miles and 3,500 vertical feet in seven hours of below-freezing temperatures. When I took my first step out of the tent in the morning I was already out of breath and tired.
While climbing that morning, my body was giving up and my mind was playing tricks on me. I was only moving a few inches with each step and the top of the mountain seemed an eternity away. I couldn’t refuel since my water and energy bars were frozen…much like my hands and feet were. As I was walking I was falling asleep. Giving up felt like a reasonable option.
It was at that moment that songs came from our African guides. Worship music a cappella…African style. My body felt the energy to take more steps. I asked our guides the meaning of the songs, which were about God’s majesty and glory. My body moved faster and my heart began to get full.
As the music stopped my worship and praise didn’t. My mind went to all the people who were supporting me financially on this trip. They were partners in this climb and praying specifically at that moment. I was starting to see the top come into view.
I also had over 200 people on my prayer team who had been with our family for the last 18 years of ministry. They were praying and giving me strength. That thought pushed my legs forward.
This mountaintop experience ended with the shedding of tears of joy. Yes, we had made it to the top after months of planning and dreaming. But my joy was more about celebrating those God had put around me to get me to the top…to support me when I needed a lift, to intercede for me in times of trial.
Many of you are undergoing way harder times than I ever did on that mountain. There is no comparison. But whatever trial we are in the middle of, God has given us other people to journey alongside us. They are there to push us forward when we can’t anymore. To bring us those mysterious gifts of hope and joy when it seems there is none around.
I guess what I experienced on that mountain was that joy can be shared and used as a currency we can cash in for ourselves. And what a gift it is when others' joy becomes contagious and encourages us when we need it most.
It reminds me of the Apostle Paul when he writes his letters to his friends around the world and lets them know how they have given him such joy, encouragement, and energy to continue the mission God has called him to. Paul needed the support of these brothers and sisters and so do we. Joy is contagious; pass it on.
“For they refreshed my spirit and yours as well. Show your appreciation, therefore, to such men.” –1 Corinthians 16:18
“Great is my confidence in you; great is my pride in you; I am filled with encouragement; in all our troubles my joy overflows.” –2 Corinthians 7:4
“On account of this, we are encouraged. In addition to our own encouragement, we were even more delighted by the joy of Titus. For his spirit has been refreshed by all of you.” –2 Corinthians 7:13
“Yes, brother, let me have some benefit from you in the Lord. Refresh my heart in Christ.” –Philemon 1:20
“I take great joy and encouragement in your love, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints.” –Philemon 1:7
Reflection:
As you look around, who are the people that bring joy to you? Take a minute to thank God for those he has placed around you that encourage, support, and love you. In continued reflection, ask the Lord to show you people who you need to share joy with in this season.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Chris Marshall joined Novo’s Partner Development Team in 2019 with a primary focus on Middle East Initiatives. Today, he leads Novo’s Mission Advancement Team. Previous to Novo, he served for 14 years as VP of Global Advancement with Kids Around the World, a ministry focused on disciple making among children. During that time, Chris became passionate for the unreached and unengaged people groups around the world. Chris, his wife, Katie, and their four children live in San Clemente, CA.