Swaziland is consistently beautiful. From north to south, there are hills, mountains, and valleys that create a stunning landscape. 

Halfway through my time in Africa, I needed to take some time to recharge. Some people love to get lost in a good book. For others, a long nap does the trick. Myself, one of my favorite ways to get rest is to go exploring. On a free Saturday with nothing else planned, I took off to the mountains. Arriving at a park, I saw the peak I wanted to hike- Sheba’s Rock.

Sheba is a popular mountain to climb in Swaziland, but I encountered few others as I made my hike to the top. With the beauty of Swaziland before me, I was in constant awe of creation.  Stopping to catch my breath, my breath was often only taken away by the views I saw.

I spent some time in prayer and processed the last couple weeks and prayed over the next couple weeks of my trip. As I prayed, the Lord reminded me of a passage in Acts.

“The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything. And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us, for “‘In him we live and move and have our being’. as even some of your own poets have said, “‘For we are indeed his offspring.’” Acts 17:24-28

Mountains have had spiritual significance for ages. We read about Moses climbing a mountain and spending 40 days up there. Jesus took some disciples to a mountain for the transfiguration. In ancient times and still today, religious temples and monuments are built on mountainsides worldwide. There’s something about mountains that captivate us humans.

As I explored this mountain, the Lord showed me that this journey glorified Him. He also reminded me that sometimes when I climb mountains, my gaze shifts from the Lord and unto my circumstances. Rather than embarking on a journey with God, I’m actually striving and trying to feel my way toward Him. A trek to reach God is an exhausting journey. Walking side by side with God brings freedom, as in Him we already live, move, and have our being. We are His children! 

What mountains are you climbing today? Are you climbing to God or with Him?

I'm incredibly grateful to continue to have these faith-shaping experiences while in Africa. I also have the privilege to play a role in setting up similar experiences for hundreds of missionaries a year. To continue doing this, I need your help. Specifically, I'm in need of monthly supporters to join me in the ministry we do at Adventures. Ten individuals and families are giving monthly, and I am praying for ten more to join me this month. Would you prayerfully consider coming on board as a monthly supporter for the next year? If so, you can begin giving at this link. Do you want to learn more before you give? Please email me at joshuabeebe@adventures.org. I'd love to share more about what we do!