Give Me My Mountain!

 

Fifteen years ago, God gave us a dream—a vision of a church on the Gold Coast. It wasn’t just an idea or a fleeting thought. It was a calling, planted deep in our hearts, that we couldn’t ignore. We saw it clearly: a community where people would encounter God, a place of hope and healing, and a home for those seeking purpose. But like any vision worth pursuing, the path wasn’t easy.

There have been moments of joy and triumph, but there have also been moments of struggle—days when the obstacles seemed insurmountable, when the detractors were loud, and when distractions tried to pull us off course. Yet through it all, God’s promise remained. And like Caleb in Joshua 14:12, we’ve stood on that promise, declaring, “Give me my mountain!”

The Promise That Keeps Us Going

Caleb’s story inspires me because he didn’t let go of what God had promised him—not for a moment. Forty-five years earlier, as one of the spies sent into the Promised Land, he saw the same giants and fortified cities as everyone else. But while others were overcome with fear, Caleb was fueled by faith.

He believed that the same God who made the promise would fulfill it. And when the time came, after years of waiting, he boldly said, “Now give me this mountain that the Lord promised me that day” (Joshua 14:12). It wasn’t arrogance. It wasn’t entitlement. It was faith—pure and determined faith.

That’s the same faith we’ve clung to as we’ve walked this journey of building the church God promised.

The Adversities Along the Way

The path hasn’t been smooth. There have been challenges that felt like giants in our way—unexpected roadblocks, financial struggles, and moments of discouragement. There have been people who questioned the vision, doubted the dream, and even tried to tear it down. And there were days when distractions whispered that it would be easier to quit.

But every time we felt weary, God reminded us of His faithfulness. He reminded us of the people whose lives would be changed because of this church. He reminded us that this mountain wasn’t about us—it was about His kingdom, His glory, and His promise.

Standing on His Word

As we reflect on this journey, I see the threads of God’s promises woven through every moment:

• The Promise of Destiny: From the very beginning, God showed us that this wasn’t just a good idea; it was His idea. He called us to this place for His purpose.

• The Promise of Blessing: There were times when it felt like we were sowing in tears, but God’s blessings have been so abundant—more than we could have asked or imagined.

• The Promise of Hope: Even when the path felt dark, God’s promise was a light that kept us moving forward.

• The Promise of a Future: This church isn’t just for today. It’s for generations to come, for people we haven’t even met yet.

This Is Just the Beginning

Today, as we stand in the fulfillment of that vision, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude. The church we lead isn’t just a building; it’s a testimony to God’s faithfulness. It’s a place where people are finding hope, healing, and purpose.

But I also know this is just the beginning. Like Caleb, we’re not content to stop now. We’re still saying, “God, give us this mountain!” There are more lives to reach, more dreams to fulfill, and more promises to see come to pass.

What’s Your Mountain?

Maybe you’re standing at the foot of your own mountain today. Maybe God has given you a vision, but the road feels hard, and the obstacles feel big. I want to encourage you: don’t give up. God is faithful to His promises.

Declare with boldness, “Give me my mountain!” Trust that the same God who called you to it will bring you through it. And when He does, give Him all the glory.

This journey hasn’t been easy, but it’s been worth every step. And I believe the best is yet to come—not just for us, but for you, too. Let’s keep climbing. Let’s keep believing. And let’s give God the glory every step of the way.

To God be the glory forever and ever. Amen.