I would like to say that this is a picture of Mount McKinley, but unfortunately that isn't the case. These mountains are a part of the Alaska mountain range, but none of them are Mount Denali, the local name for Mount McKinley which means, "The High One." Close, but no cigar.
My husband and I just returned from a mission trip to Camp Li-Wa, which is located in Fairbanks, Alaska. Since we heard that Mount Denali was visible from Fairbanks, we thought that seeing Denali on this trip was a given. I mean really, how difficult could it be to spot the highest mountain peak in North America?
Evidently, quite difficult.
Even though we didn’t see it during the week, we had high hopes of spotting it on our Saturday excursion to Denali National Park. The park is absolutely gorgeous. I never tire of taking in the beauty of God’s creation. We saw braided rivers (something I had never even heard of before), the Alaskan mountain range, grizzly bears, moose, Dall sheep and caribou. One of the few things we didn’t see? Mount Denali. Not even a trace.
We learned that Denali is not very easy to see, with only a 30% chance of visibility on any given day, due to cloud cover and the fact that it’s large enough to create its own weather. Who knew?
The closer we drove to the mountain, the harder it was to believe it was really there. It was an odd sensation; my mind knowing that Mount Denali was indeed in that location, yet my eyes not catching even a glimpse of something that large.
Have you ever felt that way about God? You’ve been told He’s there, perhaps you know Him personally and know for a fact that He is there, but you can’t seem to get even a glimpse of Him.
“For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.” ~ Romans 1:20
God reveals Himself through His creation, so no one can deny He exists, but when the storm clouds come rolling in, how often do we begin to doubt His presence? It’s during those times that we must rely on what we know to be true, not what we seem to be experiencing at the time. We may feel we’re all alone, but the truth is:
“The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” ~ Deuteronomy 31:8
The truth is, you can’t get away from God even if you try.
“Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.” ~ Psalm 139:7-10
He is there, speaking to you, no matter where you are or what you do.
“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” ~ Isaiah 30:21
Lord, thank you for never leaving me, especially in those times when I can’t see you but need you the most. Give me ears to hear your still, small voice and guide me in your perfect will.
LOL I can identify with your story. I've had the same experience with the mountains down here in So Cal.
Thanks Jenny. I'll have to check your travel blog before my next trip to CA!