….Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. I Corinthians 2:9

My friend Mary sent me this picture taken by her son Ian while hiking, with his new bride, in Glacier National Park. I see many spiritual applications in this landscape of foreground, middle ground and background. Much can be seen of the relationship between God’s magnificent creation and God’s miracle of preparation for believers. 

     The view from this overlook is quite spectacular. It leaves one with no denial that God is the powerful creator of the universe who is also capable of provision and blessings for His people. When we see the full view our hearts are likely to surge with hope. We are filled with great expectations of God’s power to work His will for our good and His glory. Our perspective seals our faith to journey forth.

     Let’s imagine we could travel several miles forward. The valley that lies ahead would be entered and walked through long before we reached the flatlands and mountain tops. From the overlook, this valley is green, lush and full of growth. But once in the valley our view is not so grand; the full picture is not displayed. Much growth takes place in the valley, naturally and spiritually speaking. As my friend Mary pointed out; cool, clean, and clear water is readily available in valleys, which is necessary for life. We have access to drink living water as we grow in our valleys, yet we cannot see our future clearly. It is then we walk by faith and not by sight.

     Next we view the flatlands. They are green and smooth, but flat. At times in life we may feel spiritually flat. We are moving forward but the travel time is spent in the mundane. Prayer, Bible study, relationships and our jobs are filled with repetition that requires commitment, often less than exciting. We may forget our experience from the overlook. During these times we may be left with doubt as we loose sight of our powerful creators plan for our lives. 

     Oh for the mountains looming large in the background. They are breathtaking until we are at the base. Mountain climbing requires resilience. We must be resolved to train, work, and face the unknown. Climbing to the top in order to reach our goal in life presents us with challenges, yet climbing upward is required. 

    Lastly, we see the heavens stretched across the horizon. We each have a heavenly calling, but we are not alone. When we partake of our heavenly calling we have a great cloud of witnesses who journeyed before us. Most importantly, we can look to Jesus.

          Wherefore seeing we are also compassed with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay                  aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with                            patience the race that is set before us, 

          Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set                     before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of               the throne of God. 

         For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be               wearied and faint in your minds.

Hebrews 12:1-3

     Our perspective may change depending on our view. Nevertheless, let’s press toward our high calling while considering Jesus, lest we get weary and faint in our minds. Don’t lose sight of the grandeur of our God. Our eyes have not seen, our ears have not heard nor has it entered into our hearts all that God has prepared for us. But God, through His Spirit, reveals things unto us as we search for direction and clarity. The deep things of God, like heavenly callings, can only be revealed by His Spirit. We can know the things that are freely given to us of God as we journey through this life. 

     God has prepared great plans for my life. No matter my ever changing perspective, He will fulfill His plans because I love Him. The same applies to you. What is your revealed goal and what is your perspective?