A stump here, a branch there – every step mattered in getting to the top of the mountain. With the promise of a breathtaking view, nearly 60 students at Junior High Summer Camp took on a challenge that would be difficult for even grown men and women to accomplish. Many ran ahead; others were slower and more cautious. For one girl, this two-mile journey would be used by God to change her life forever.
    With great encouragement, all of the students, several adults, and one dog made it to the top of the two-mile climb up the mountain, where the Holy Spirit was ready to do business. The group sat closely together on the edge of the mountaintop, gazing over the splendor of God’s creation and realizing just how far they had traveled.
    A young girl began to lead in a time of worship. “I was not looking for God. But God, being the loving pursuer God that He is, came after me. God was pursuing me just like He does each one of us. Maybe there are some of you sitting here who are feeling that way. Maybe some of you have not yet let God come into your lives.”
    Voices joined together to sing sweet hymns of praise to Jesus, but one voice could be heard above all, Taylor, a young eighth-grade girl. Tears began to fall down Taylor’s face. Kneeling down beside her, I whispered, “Taylor, have you ever given your heart to Jesus?”
    Through her tears she looked into my eyes and shook her head, “No.”
    “Would you like to do that right now?”
    She nodded.
    Amazing Grace was perhaps sung a little louder that day and with more feeling than it has been in a while. All of those on the mountain that morning in June joined the angels worshipping God and rejoicing in His salvation. Taylor’s name was forevermore written in the Book of Life and Jesus came to live in her heart.        
    Psalm 18:33-36 gives this account of God, “He makes me surefooted as a deer, leading me safely along the mountain heights. He prepares me for battle; he strengthens me to draw a bow of bronze. You have given me the shield of your salvation. Your right hand supports me; your gentleness has made me great. You have made a wide path for my feet to keep them from slipping.”  
    Often we are not sure if our next step will be on solid ground or if we will slip and fall.  Whether walking a straight path or climbing a mountain, God promises those who are seeking after Him, He will make their steps sure and provide the solid ground of His own Son for them to stand upon. Fear tells us to stay back and not take the plunge, but faith says that we must go forward, even if it is just one step at a time, because the view from the top is too incredible to miss.
    That day on the mountain, Taylor learned to choose faith instead of fear.

By: Courtney Veasey