Jan Bros, church planter, Abbey Way, Albertville, MN, member CBGE
The theme song of my life might be “Climb Every Mountain.”
Climb every mountain,
Search high and low,
Follow every byway,
Every path you know.
Climb every mountain,
Ford every stream,
Follow every rainbow,
‘Till you find your dream.
Yeah, I know, pretty cheesy. Yet there is a deep truth in this song that resonates for me. Maybe it is the context in which I first heard it sung: an older wise woman singing to a younger one. Maybe it is the truth that the words contain: all lives are called to embody a holy perseverance come what may. I think it is a little bit of both.
I think the song resonates deep within me because we are all in need of mentors, people who have gone before and are willing to show us the way. As a female who began ministry in the 1980s, there were very few women around who could serve as role models in pastoral roles. But there were other women, very faithful women, who ministered God’s grace in a variety of settings. I cherish the memory of the women who did take me on and teach me what they knew. Some of most important things that were said to me were the encouragement to be myself.
I also find the lyrics truthful in that the need to keep on keeping on is also very essential to a whole and holy life of ministry. No matter who we are, the need to practice faithfulness to what we have been given I believe is our daily task. There have been many times in the last thirty years that I have come very close to losing heart and quitting entirely. It seemed too hard. It seemed too hopeless. It seemed too lonely. It was in these moments that I leaned into the solid truth of God’s desire for me to remain with Him, no matter what. I can’t say those moments were easy to walk through. But I do know as I turned to God for strength and empowering, God did meet me in my place of need.
My encouragement to you today is to hope in God and God’s intention for you. It is a great quest we are asked of. May you find both the mentors and stamina needed along the way to remain faithful as you follow Jesus.
