MOUNTAINS WASTELAND OR WONDERLAND © Sue Found 1995
Why are mountainous areas sparsely populated? Amos 4:13 states that “The Lord is the one who shaped the mountains”. Would our planet be better off without mountains?
Geography’s Steep Slopes:
| Disadvantages | Advantages |
| Not suited for raising staple food crops, such as rice, corn, wheat | Well suited for lumbering, coffee, tea, some fruits and pasture grass |
| Rocky slopes make construction of buildings difficult | Mineral deposits* of gold, copper, silver and building stone such as marble and granite |
| Extremes in weather resulting in floods lightening damage, high winds* | Source of rivers* for hydro electric power and irrigation, also wind power potential |
| Barriers to transportation | Recreation – space to enjoy nature, plants, animals, lakes* waterfalls, go hiking |
We can see mountains as wasted space or as an area that provides resources that improve our lives.
Life’s Steep Slopes (Rough Times)
| Disadvantages | Advantages |
| Unexpected problems Disappointments Difficult relationships Failures | Whenever trouble comes your way, Let it be an opportunity for joy. For when your faith is tested, your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything. James 1:1-4 |
| Weakness | The Lord said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in your weakness.” 2 Cor. 12:8 |
| hardships, calamities, exhaustion, hunger, slander, poverty, beaten, despised | God’s power working in us, able to give spiritual riches to others, serve God no mater what |
| We own nothing | We have everything. 2 Cor.6:3-10 |
When we go through what seem like mountainous barriers in our life, do we give way to frustration, anger, and /or self pity? These are normal reactions, but not in line with God’s plan for our life.
“Suffering is part of what God has called you to. Christ, who suffered for you is your example. Follow in his steps. He never sinned, and he never deceived anyone. He did not retaliate when he was insulted. When he suffered, he did not threaten to get even. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly. (So when we find ourselves with the wrong reaction to suffering we can confess our sin knowing that… ) He personally carried away our sins in his own body on the cross so we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. You have been healed by his wounds! Once you were wandering like lost sheep. But now you have turned to your Shepherd, the Guardian of your souls.” 1 Peter 21-25
*Two of this country’s major rivers have their headwaters beginning in Rocky Mountain Park. There are more than 150 lakes in RMNP.
Winter winds have been registered up to 170-201mph (74mph winds are considered hurricane level. There are no significant mineral deposits in RMNP, one reason that it was set aside as a national park.
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