A voice cries: “In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain. And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.” (Isaiah 40:3-5) I crested the hill outside of Palmer, Alaska, and caught a glimpse of the Matanuska Glacier in the valley as it gleamed in the sunlight, but the sight didn't inspire. Just west of Glennallen I saw Mt. Drum, Mt. Sanford and Mt. Wrangell. The snow topped peaks were brilliant against the azure blue sky, but the sight didn't inspire. This journey to Alaska began the previous year when I stood next to the grave of my wife of 35 years. I set out on a solo journey through Alaska on a quest to find peace. That night I saw my life laid out as a series of valleys and mountains, much like I witnessed on my drive. I relived each valley of despair, desperation, and despondency and called out in torment. I recalled every insurmountable mountain that I built – mountains that separated me from God and my loved ones and cringed in agony. Peace finally descended on my heart as I replayed each valley and could recount how Christ was by my side. Peace grew as I recognized the lessons of humility learned from mountains toppled by hands greater than mine. In the morning as sun rose, my heart was warmed by the words of The Son – words of comfort and hope, words of love and forgiveness, words of acceptance – “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” The rest of the journey was filled experiencing God’s love and forgiveness with each mountain and valley declaring His majesty. I longed to return and share the Good News of how God raises the valleys and topples the mountains.
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AuthorRichard Cohrs Archives
December 2016
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