GOD OF THE MOUNTAIN

“You have stayed long enough at this mountain. Break camp and advance…” — Deut 1:6–7 (NIV)

Mountains have a way of humbling us. Their size, their silence, their strength — all point us to something (or Someone) greater. When you stand near one, especially early in the morning as the mist clears and the peaks begin to glow with sunrise, you realize just how small you are and how big God truly is.

Yesterday, my elder brother slept near Mount Kenya — the grand old mountain whose snow-capped peaks, Batian, Nelion, and Lenana, pierce the clouds. The funny talk on a whatsapp wall was that he should wake up, face the mountain, and take a selfie with the clear peaks in the background. It’s a beautiful thought — standing face-to-face with one of God’s finest creations.

I’ve personally never gone that far up, maybe only to Mt Kilimambogo past Thika or just a bit of Suswa, but those who climb tell me that mountain hiking is both challenging and transformative. My House Fellowship Chair actually does the Aberdare Ranges once every quarter — imagine that! Climbing, sweating, and conquering those heights regularly.

And it got me thinking… life, in many ways, is a lot like mountain climbing.

Some seasons feel like valleys — low, dark, and hard to navigate. Others feel like mountain seasons — steep, tough, and testing. But here’s the truth: God is still God in the seasons of mountains.

When the climb feels too steep — He gives strength to the weary.
When the fog covers your way — He lights your path.
When the air feels thin — His Spirit becomes your breath.
And when you finally stand at the top, looking back at where you came from — He reminds you that it was never by your strength, but by His grace.

Sometimes, God lets us linger at a mountain — to learn, to rest, to listen. Other times, He says, “You’ve stayed here long enough; move on.” Either way, whether you’re climbing, resting, or descending — He’s still God.

Maybe your current “mountain” isn’t made of rock and ice, but of challenges, waiting, unanswered prayers, or fears. Yet even there, God is faithful. The same God who shaped Mount Kenya and Kilimanjaro, who breathed life into Batian, Lenana, and Nelion, is the same God shaping your path and strengthening your spirit.

And on a lighter note, I often smile at this thought: hamjui Mbinguni tutapewa mwili mpya! — because surely, these earthly bodies might struggle with mountains, but heaven will be different. Up there, no climb will be too high, no breath too short, no strength too little.

So today, take heart. Whether you’re standing in a valley or scaling a peak, remember this: the God of the mountain is the God of your journey. He hasn’t left you. The same God who commands the winds to clear the clouds off Mount Kenya’s peaks is the same God clearing the fog from your life.

• What “mountain” are you currently facing in your life?
• How has God shown Himself faithful in your uphill seasons before?
• What is God teaching you in this current climb — patience, trust, or surrender?

So here’s the thing — mountains aren’t just places to climb; they’re places to encounter.
Moses met God on a mountain. Elijah heard God on a mountain. Jesus was transfigured on a mountain.

Maybe that’s why God sometimes allows “mountains” in our lives — not to block us, but to bring us closer to Him.

So the next time you find yourself facing one — whether it’s made of stone or struggle — don’t just see the height, see the hand of God. Because even when the path is steep and the air is thin, the same God who reigns on the mountain still walks beside you in the climb.

And when you finally reach the top, you’ll realize this: the view was never the reward — His presence was.