Do you want to be a conqueror?
Are you facing a mountain in your life that seems impossible to overcome?
This winter I’ve learned lessons on a physical mountain that can be applied to circumstances that overwhelm us — financial struggles, work issues, health problems. Whatever is going on in our lives at the moment, we need a strategy.
And it’s the same on the ski slopes, too. Whether it’s triumphing on an expert run or the bunny slopes, any skier has to be a conqueror. This year, I set a goal to master the steepest runs on the mountain — double black diamonds. Although I have the technical ability to ski down what seems like a near vertical drop, skiing is not just a physical feat but a mind game, too.
In difficult situations we have to overcome fear. To be a conqueror we must stop letting circumstances dictate how we react. We need to move forward with confidence instead of hesitating and holding back.
Here are three things that I have found work when conquering mountains:
1. Realize you are equipped and use your resources well.
You have the necessary equipment to help you be confident in trying circumstances.
It’s the same for me when I ski. I have two pairs of skis. One pair is good for groomed icy runs. I love these skis but, although they equip me on piste terrain, they are not good in the deep snow of the bowls. My other skis are wider and with well-fitting boots tightly buckled, I am able to make turns with confidence and success.
Likewise, God’s words equip us for the hard times in our lives. They are an indispensable resource to comfort us, give us strength and confidence. For instance:
Nothing and no one can stand in our way because
if God is for us who can be against us.
Romans 8:31 (ESV)
Be encouraged when you get out of bed in the morning because
The One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.
1 John 4:4 (ESV)
When what’s ahead seems impossible, step into the day knowing
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:13 (NKJV)
2. Don’t give way to fear.
Have the mindset that you have what it takes.
When the ground disappears ahead of me, then I know I’m approaching the steep part of a slope. I hang back with fear. It keeps me from moving forward. I know that once I’ve committed to the run there is no way back, only down.
My instructor gave me some valuable advice: “don’t let the mountain dictate how you are going to react. Instead, take control of the mountain. You are the master.”
Sometimes we cannot control what’s happening in our lives, but we can take change of how we react. Don’t let fear win.
3. Conquer what’s ahead one step at a time.
To be a conqueror, break down the challenge into manageable steps.
When I looked only a few feet ahead of me, that small part of the slope seems possible. I tell myself “I can ski that, easily.” If I look all the way to the bottom, then I am overwhelmed. So instead, I plan where I am going to make one turn. Then I stop. I look where I will make the next two turns. Before I know it, I have been successful and in control.
Just look one step ahead or take one day at a time. Take one action you know you can do.
This year I’ve achieved my goal in skiing double black diamonds. It gives me confidence to face the next mountain. It can be the same for you.