Just as with a physical mountain, there are a number of alternative routes to get your setback behind you. One way is to pretend that it doesn't exist, wishing that it was all a bad dream and, if you close your eyes, it may just fade away. Alternatively, you could circle the mountain, climb over it, tunnel through it, or fly over it.



Be careful not to fall into despair and eventual depression. If you mull over the problem, keep wondering 'why me?' and constantly speaking about it, you magnify the mountain instead of God. The mountain will seem much bigger than it is and, instead of going directly to God for the answer, you may try to solve it your way, blaming others and even Him for your misfortune.

Let's consider a professional mountain climber. First of all he has a goal. The vision of a victorious outcome becomes so strongly embedded in his spirit that it drives him onward without wavering. Secondly, he trains extensively to be as fit as possible. When all the preparations are ready, he hires a guide who knows the terrain intimately. Lastly, he challenges it with words like: "I am going to conquer you!"

Major setbacks require a lot of preparation. It's impossible to just walk onto the high peaks and expect instant victory. As in the physical example above, you need to first see and know that, if God declares that you can beat your mountain, then it is so! Secondly, you need to exercise your faith. This starts by trusting Him for the small things. As you recognize His daily blessings, your faith will grow accordingly. Ask the Holy Spirit to be your guide. He will comfort you, lead you to faith-building Scriptures, and provide wisdom regarding the source and outcome of the dilemma. Then, constantly speak out loud the verses of victory over your situation, expecting the victory.

Jesus states: "if ye shall say unto this mountain, be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done. And all things whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive." (Mat. 21:21-22) He's affirming that in His strength, you can do all things! (Phil. 4:13)

I'm reminded of three personal experiences. Travelling by train from Italy to Switzerland, I remember angst welling up in me as a massive peak loomed up right in our face. It seemed like an inevitable crash was about to happen! Then, with a sudden start I realized we were in the Mt. Blanc tunnel! I did not know the route was taking us that way, but thankfully the train engineer did! What a marvellous experience to greet the sunshine after that smooth fast ride!

Another time in Spain, we were on a winding, narrow road hugging the very edge of a precipice. The closer we came to the top, the more worried I became about negotiating the steep descent in the lightly falling wet snow. Out of the blue, a beautiful landscape stretched out before us! There was no sign of a mountain anywhere! I burst out in song, thankful that this mountain had such a smooth outcome.

My third experience was even more exhilarating than the previous ones! In a glider plane with my instructor, there was no motor, no noise, and not a care in the world to distract me. Relying completely on my instructor, I was utterly thrilled to feel the wind updrafts gently lifting the tiny craft up and over the surrounding hills and settling us gingerly back down at our destination.

Have courage! The more you know God, the more you will trust Him. Take Him at His Word, and stand on His Promises. He may lead you swiftly through it, help you climb over it onto smooth terrain, mount you right over it as if With Wings As Eagles (Isa. 40:31), or clear it out of the way in one fell swoop. It shall be done according to His purpose and your level of faith.

No matter how you attain the victory over your mountain, you have the assurance that He will never leave you nor forsake you! (Heb. 13:5) You are more than a conqueror through Him who loves you! (Rom. 8:37)