Some time ago I heard a hymn sung by a young man. It said, “Lord don’t move my mountain, but give me strength to climb it.” As we venture into the New Year we will be challenged by many mountains – disappointments, failures, losses, illness or betrayal. But there is joy in ‘striving, seeking and finding’ grace to help us climb these mountains. The two requisites we will need are vision and passion.

A wise climber will always travel light. He will leave behind his regrets and disappointments of the past. He will learn from his mistakes and creatively use them to grow stronger. He will pray for a new vision to glorify Christ through his life and live victoriously for Him. He will walk with confident hope, steady faith and a prayer “Renew a right spirit within me.”

May this be our vision too – to love, to serve, to witness with courage and live the Christian lifestyle, undaunted by the many mountains we have to climb. Apostle Paul admonishes us, “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage, be strong. Do everything in love.” ( I Cor. 16:13.)