There is a mountain well-known to climbers, yet no one has any inclination to seek its peak. It has a very unique and delicate beauty about it. Rumor has it that many don’t survive due to its unstable terrain, the mysterious obstacles, and unpredictable weather.

Some were involuntarily drafted to blaze a trail on Desolate Mountain and to prove that if you have enough faith, you will conquer the climb. At its summit, they will experience a preview of Heaven accompanied by a passionate boldness to live life. Now, not all of those drafted choose to climb. Some sit at the base of this mountain and just look up with feelings of hopelessness and despair. Their hearts become cold and dark, and few survive despite the efforts of those that extend a hand out to them. Their view of the summit has now clouded over, and they don’t feel the warmth of the sun. To climb mountains, like anything, you need to train. Preparedness comes from many mountain climbs and tuning into the song emitted from the pines.

There’s an awkward silence present of those drafted to climb Desolate Mountain and those residing on “What If Mountain.” Those on “What If Mountain” fear being chosen and walk the other way abandoning the lonely Drafted Climber.” “Wait! They say I have so much to share about my experience climbing this desolate mountain. I’ve seen the Creator of all mountains and the real reward for climbing them!”

The Drafted Climber then retreats back to Desolate Mountain to link arms with the other summited climbers. They share their personal climbing stories and celebrate their elevated moments with the Creator and His Eternal promises. An enhanced perspective of life, and sharing a trail of tears on “What If Mountain” sustains their insatiable hunger for hope.

“Those on top of the mountain did not fall there.”

Jacke Van Woerkom

Grieving Mother

Drafted Climber, Desolation Mountain

Author John Eldredge said, “In the midst of so much loss, I found myself asking, Jesus, what is it we’re supposed to look forward to? After your losses begin to mount up, you wonder what it is you’re supposed to hope for.”

He referred back to God’s Promises, and this is what he found…

“Peter answered him, “We have left everything to follow you! What then will there be for us?” Jesus said to them, “I tell you the truth, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first.” Matthew 19:27:30

Jacke Van Woerkom

January 9th, 2018