Most people began the New Year with greater expectations and hopes than the last year delivered. While many were blessed, others will never forget the past year because of the pain it brought. Some lost their jobs, homes, family, a family member and some lost their health. Though we faced some pain and hardships in the past, we must not let it steal our ambition and hope for the future.

In Genesis, we read how God destroyed all living creatures except Noah and those with him in the ark. Although Noah was grateful for being saved, I believe there were thought that brought him tears and pain. He lost friends, other relatives, his home and life as he knew it in the flood. Perhaps, he, too, questioned how life would be after this ruin. As we read this tragic story in the Bible, we can only imagine how Noah must have felt. As tragic as this event was, there was still hope. The Bible states in Genesis 8:5, “in the tenth month of the first day of the month, were the tops of the mountains see.” Just as Noah was encouraged when he saw the tops of those mountains, God will show us mountaintops that will renew our strength.

One of my greatest memories is meeting and talking with Dr. Billy Graham. He left an impression on my life that is priceless. I’ve never met a man with as much love and compassion for America as he. I heard an interview recently, a news corresponded asked him if he still had hope for America. He said, “Yes. I will always have hope for America, because I have hope in Jesus Christ. There are mountaintops of divine promise; 2 Peter 1:4, ‘Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises; that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature.’ God has promised us His presence, His protection and provision throughout the coming days. Hebrews 13:5, ‘For he hath said I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.’”

But notice, the mountains were seen from the ark, which typified Christ our Savior. There are no mountains of hope outside of Christ. Also, they were seen from Ararat, which means “holy ground.” There must be a consecration to be able to see the mountaintop. We ourselves must be on a high altitude. Too many live as if they were in the basement of the ark, only hearing the thud of the waters, wondering if the ark will make it.

As this New Year begins, climb the ark, gaze out from the high places and lo the “tops of the mountains.”

The Rev.
Glen Vaughn