God Is All Powerful

            

         Standing atop Clingmans Dome in Tennessee at 6,643 feet, or on Harney Peak in South Dakota at 7,244 feet, I breathe deep.  The air is chilled and exhilarating!  While Clingmans Dome is the second highest point east of the Mississippi and the highest point in Tennessee, Harney Peak is the highest point east of the Rocky Mountains.  In either case, it is necessary to drive part of the way and then walk the trail that leads to the observation towers. 

            Depending on the weather, the vistas from the towers are breathtaking both for sunrises and sunsets!  There are days, however, when fog obliterates the views, while other days, smog from air pollution or smoke from distant fires destroy the amazing panoramic views.  

            There are times when our lives are filled with “smog” like pessimism, negativity, sadness, heart break, unplanned challenges, dangers, choices and situations we’d often rather not deal with.  There are times, like the air quality at Clingmans Dome, when we are unable to see beyond what is immediately in front of us.  Therefore, our “personal air quality” is less than optimal for making good decisions regarding any choices we need to make. 

            It’s times like these we can find encouragement through a relationship with God, the Father. Our lives are filled with people on both sides of the equation.  We have those who seem to throw a blanket on our plans, rain on our parade or otherwise darken our days with their less than encouraging words.

            The other side of this picture are those who are amazingly supportive, tell us they believe in us and encourage us to carry on.  Sometimes these people are in the shadows of our lives, yet give strength in ways we didn’t expect or those we only interact with for a season, or even meet for a brief moment.  Others, like those close to us, whether they are our parents, spouse, siblings or best friend, we depend on exponentially,because if we didn’t, we’d likely crumple when attacked by those who would crush our spirit.

            When we have a solid support system, with a deep desire to do what is right, and certain we are following God’s will in our lives, we can move forward with a confidence the defies those who would doubt us.

            As we move forward, knowing the mission before us, we can know we have another support system, greater than any one or group on this planet.  We know, because God’s Word assures us, He is all powerful.  When God is for us, who can stand against us?

            So, I challenge you to reflect on that which you consider important in your life. What mission do you feel God has called you to do?  Are there those in your life who would rather tear you down than build you up?  Can you, with an all Powerful God at your side, align yourself with those who support you?  I encourage you to give your best effort, and feel the power of God lead you.