Isaiah 40: 4-5: “Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain.  And the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all people will see it together.  For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.” 

Mountains by their very nature are majestic.  They command respect especially from valley dwellers.  I once went to visit some family who lived in the mountains.  The journey led us through hills and valleys, crossing rough and rugged places, driving across streams and rivers.  It was indeed an interesting and beautiful ride.  As we got closer to our destination the majesty of the mountains became more apparent.  We drove to seven miles from the top.  It was so beautiful.  We were surrounded by clouds and mists.  At times the mists were so close you could hardly see the person standing next to you. The glory of the Lord was indeed present.  It is an experience that I would love to repeat.

In today’s passage the Lord speaks with absolute certainty about His glory being revealed through change.  Change is something that is often misunderstood and not welcomed due to its impact on our inner beings.  The transition inside of us that change brings is varied and often brings with it discomfort, frustration and pain.  Human beings like to be comfortable and so whatever brings discomfort is often shunned.  Isaiah tells us in no uncertain terms what God says.  God says He will raise up valleys, reduce mountains and hills, level rough ground and make rugged plains plain.  This is not a matter of if but a matter of when.  This is major change that the Lord is bringing about. This means that there will be major disruption in our lives which will bring change, discomfort and a rearranging of priorities. Because if you are a valley dweller suddenly relocated to mountain living your mode of operating will be different.

So what valleys, mountains, hills, rough and rugged places that we are holding on to and treasuring in our lives that we need to let go?  We need to let them go as God wants to transform them and us in the process so that His glory can be revealed.  We have cried out “we want to see your glory Lord” but we are thwarting our hearts’ desire by holding on to the very things (valleys, hills etc) that God wants us to release.  So with heavy hearts we are going to cast our ‘treasures’ at the Lord’s feet after the count of three (3).  Three (3) , yes no one (1) or two (2), straight to three (3) as only when we release what we are holding can the Lord bless us with the full extent of his blessings. So look out below for mountains and hills are coming down and some valleys are going up, rough ground are about to be smooth and level and rugged places plain.

PRAYER

I am trusting you Lord Jesus trusting only you, as change and the transition that it brings is not always easy.  Forgive me where I have failed you and held on to valleys, mountains, hills, rough and rugged places when you want me to release them so that you can give me better and reveal your glory to me and all the world.   I release everything I have into your hands right now and wait upon your transformation of my circumstances and me.   May I never take your blessing for granted.  In Jesus name Amen.