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At a Breathless Altitude

My husband and I traveled last month, and you can read about part of the journey here. As part of the trip, we took the entire family to Colorado Springs for a week-long getaway together. On a bright, crisp morning, we made the drive up to the top of Pikes Pike. The 14,115-foot altitude of the summit provided breathtaking views in all directions. We even snapped an amazing family photo.

The altitude soon affected many of our group as the dizziness, lightheadedness, and nausea became more than just a bother. Two of the grandkids grabbed their inhalers, and we all huffed and puffed as we walked around the top of the mountain. Our breathing became difficult because of the thin air at this altitude. We cut the visit short and headed back down the mountain so everyone could breathe easier again.

The experience reminded me that the closer we climb to God, the thinner the air may feel, but the view is so worth it.

High Altitude Requires Stronger Lungs

We weren’t the only people struggling to breathe on Pikes Peak. I noticed medics standing all over the area in case anyone developed serious problems. Trouble breathing at high altitudes is often because of altitude sickness, a common condition that arises because the air pressure and oxygen levels decrease as altitude increases, making it harder for the body to get enough oxygen. This can lead to symptoms like shortness of breath, even at rest, and other signs of illness, according to medical websites.

Professional climbers learn to acclimate their bodies to the decreased oxygen at high altitudes with gradual ascents to train their lungs to work better under these conditions. They know the best way to prevent altitude sickness is to ascend slowly, over a few days if possible. As the symptoms begin, the experts encourage us to breathe deeply every few minutes to decrease the level of carbon dioxide in our blood. Our bodies depend on oxygen for life, and it is in short supply when climbing.

As our faith grows and God calls us higher, our dependence on Him must deepen. Even when we feel weak in our calling, He is with us. 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV); “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

The Climb of Faith is Difficult

I believe we all struggle through seasons of strain when we are on God’s mountaintops. We experience times when prayer feels dry; the answers don’t come, or God feels distant. It’s like our faith develops altitude sickness, and we fight to catch our spiritual breath again.

My time of altitude sickness in ministry came from some health struggles with ongoing stomach issues. The more I traveled for missions or speaking engagements, the more the problem arose. I prayed, but the issue persisted. My heart sank, and I contemplated giving up many times. I worried I might have to run off the stage in the middle of a talk to find a bathroom. The problem was so embarrassing.

I persevered and continued despite my fear and soon learned the strength that came from 2 Corinthians 12:9. My altitude sickness in my faith was not a sign of failure. Instead, God prepared me for the next level of trust.

What God Teaches Us at Altitude

We can learn many things during our time with God in the high altitude. Here are a few from my experience.

• Dependence — in high places, we must lean on God for every breath.
• Humility — climbing is hard; pride doesn’t survive where oxygen is low.
• Vision — the higher we go, the more we see from God’s perspective.

And throughout the Bible, God reminds us He is with us as we fight for our spiritual breath. Isaiah 40:31 (NIV); “but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

Encouragement for the Altitude Climb

When we feel like we are gasping spiritually, the Bible reminds us that God hasn’t left us; He’s leading us to the top of the mountain. As Moses prepared the people to enter the promise land without him, he said these words in Deuteronomy 31:6 (NIV): “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” And these words are still true for us today.

Here are some practical ways to overcome our spiritual altitude sickness:

• Stay in the Word daily, even when it feels dry.
• Ask others for prayer — climbers rarely go alone.
• Breathe slowly — rest in God’s presence rather than pushing in your own strength.

The View from the Summit

The mountain of faith is steep, but God is right by our side. Sometimes, when our faith leaves us gasping for air, we remember we grow through the struggles as our lungs adapt to the new journey. And as our lungs grow stronger, God will continue to take us higher into His mountains. Remember to stop along the way and look at the view from the summit; it inspires us to keep climbing. The One who calls us higher will be right be our side as we go.

Reflection:

Are you in a season where the air feels thin? How can you rely more on God today?

Prayer:

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Yvonne M. Morgan is a Christian #author, #blogger, and #speaker. #BibleGatewayPartner

Matthew 28:19 “Therefore, GO and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.”

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