By Crystal Steimling

Getting an unobscured view of Denali, the tallest mountain in North American, is a rare privilege for most, but a prized experience I carry with me. The grandeur of her beauty beckons contemplation. What must it be like for the brave souls who scale her incredible height?

I am no mountain climber, at least not literally, but I do know that living life from the mountaintop can be exhilarating. Daring to get there, however, often requires calculated navigation of steep, rugged, and sometimes uncertain terrain.

Historically speaking, 2020 will surely go down in the books as an uphill climb. The effects of a global pandemic, political unrest, and racial injustice have left no one untouched. We all have a story about being brave and scaling new heights. For me, 2020 offered a necessary and rewarding reset to carry only that which matters most. Long before 2020, the prayer of Habakkuk has been my heart’s cry. Today, more than ever before, the words of the prophet ring true:

”Even though the fig trees have no blossoms and there are no grapes on the vine; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation.” —Habakkuk 3:17 & 18 (NLT)

Circumstances beyond our control don’t have to leave us fallen by the wayside. In a changing world, it’s easy to lose our step. But, we can carry on, for the maker of the mountains is unchanging. Staying close to Him keeps us on course and allows us to forge through to personal growth that carries with it incredible wisdom, joy, and strength of character.

As we look to the clean, unmarked pages of this new year, don’t fear the journey! Together, let’s allow His steadfast love to carry us, to embolden us, to keep our footing.

Opportunities await and possibilities invite, so let’s lace up our boots and climb with confident hope into the new year, carrying with us His strength.

“The Sovereign Lord is my strength! He will make me as surefooted as a deer and bring me safely over the mountains.” —Habakkuk 3:19 (NLT)

To the few who dare to be brave: living life from the mountaintop with an unobscured view is exhilarating.