Standing atop a mountain, gazing out at breathtaking vistas, is an experience that transcends the physical. It’s a testament to the human spirit’s ability to overcome obstacles and reach new heights. In Switzerland, this spirit is embodied in the country’s remarkable infrastructure, built to access the natural beauty of the Swiss Alps.
Imagine ascending Mount Pilatus on a cogwheel train, climbing at a 41-degree angle to almost 7,000 feet. This steepest train ride in the world takes you to a summit where five restaurants and two hotels await, defying the natural barrier of the mountain. Or picture reaching Mount Schilthorn, soaring over 10,000 feet above sea level, after a journey on four different gondolas. There, you’ll find Piz Gloria, a rotating restaurant offering 360-degree views of the majestic Alps.
These incredible feats of engineering and determination reflect the Swiss people’s refusal to let natural barriers limit their enjoyment of their magnificent landscape. They drilled through mountains, building tunnels that allowed them to explore and appreciate their country’s natural wonders. They constructed gondolas for hiking and skiing, and laid train tracks at seemingly impossible angles, opening up vistas inaccessible by any other means.
This story of overcoming mountains, both literal and metaphorical, is a powerful lesson for us all. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus said, “By faith, you can move mountains.” He wasn’t talking about physical mountains, but rather the challenges and difficulties we face in life.
Just as the Swiss persevered to overcome their physical mountains, we too must find the determination to conquer our metaphorical mountains – our challenges, problems, and difficulties. We might have to dig through them, working diligently each day until we find the light at the end of the tunnel. Or perhaps we must go over them, trekking slowly and steadily, facing the steep angles of our challenges until we reach the summit.
It won’t be easy, and it may take numerous attempts. There will be times when we doubt ourselves, but we must remember that even the darkest night is followed by the dawn. Sometimes, the toughest part is right before the breakthrough.
We all experience disappointments, setbacks, and tribulations. But choose to refuse to give in to discouragement. You may lack resources, but a million dollars of determination will get it done.
Keep moving toward the vision you have for your future. Move upward, move forward, move onward. God has a beautiful life for you to experience – don’t let any barrier block your way to it.
