When this topic was chosen for an edition of the Foundation Satellite, I remembered a popular song that says, "The mountain shall depart" and while going through some ideas of this column, I meditated on the word of God: "For the mountain shall depart, and the hills be removed but my kindness shall not depart, …from thee…, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed" (Isaiah 54:10). 

It is natural for a person to defend himself and his mission against the attacks of the enemy. This is even more the case where lives are threatened. In this dispensation of grace, Christians are called to rise above the level of nature. We have the example of the Lord Jesus Christ to guide us in all things: "For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps" (I Peter 2:21). Jesus submitted Himself to suffering and He suffered wrong without fighting back or retaliating. He died on the cross at Calvary. He also taught His disciples the same thing in Matthew 5:39 where He said, "But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also”.

The Lord also told Peter to put away his sword when he was about to defend Him. (Matthew 26:52; John 18:11). In Matthew He adds, "For all who take the sword will perish by the sword". The call of Jesus is a call to die with all our affections and lusts. That means the person so called is going to be separated from his former attachment to the things of the world. He is separated from friends and loved ones, from the family and other associations - a strain in relationship.

When God called the Israelites to the land that flows with milk and honey, some of the tribes of Israel relaxed and were no longer bothered about the remaining land that were yet to be possessed. Contentment was set into their hearts making them to think they have reached their comfort zone, They became at ease in Zion and started trusting in the mountain of Samaria, but actually as they take the gifts of God as a means of lying upon the beds of ivory where they settled, chanting, singing, dancing and making merry as to put away the evil day, they cause the seat of violence to come near (Joshua 14:6-13).

The Lord's declaration in Joshua 13:1 was that "there remaineth yet very much land to be possessed". Prior to the time of this declaration soldiers with dangerous and sophisticated weapons in their hands were drinking wine in bowls and anoint themselves with the chief ointments. They were not even grieved for the affliction of "Joseph".

As a good and powerful soldier, Caleb determined as he was grieved to see the Anakims waxing stronger on the hill country; he requested Joshua to give him the mountain and swore to drive out the enemies of God: "So now give me this hill country of which the Lord spoke on that day; for you heard on that day how the Anakim were there, with great fortified cities: It maybe that the Lord will be with me, and I shall drive them out as the Lord said"  (Joshua 14:12).

Today, children of God are becoming like the "partying and celebrating" tribes of Israel. Things are changing. Many Children of God are washing their fishing nets. Like fishermen, they are concluding the session with washing of the net and spreading it dry. You see, the funny thing is that (like Simon Peter), almost all their boats for fishing are empty and there is not a single for their Master (Luke 5:1-6). They are not bothered as long as they are taken care of - even their needs. But the question lingers on: Are there no lands that are yet to be conquered in our midst? Have we not rested too long on our oars? You say, "This is the land God promised to give us", but then? The Holy Bible says that any comfort you established for yourself by yourself is most likely to be destroyed or pulled down by God, hence only Him is your Comfort (Matthew 15:13). He declares: "There remains yet very much land to be possessed" (Joshua 13:1).

Are you not bothered that after you declared and announced your days of rest, the Lord tells you, "It's not yet"? Beloved are you not bothered? Are you not bothered that beyond this your self-made Comfort zone (this present "fertile land" you are living in), there are mountains, high hills, rocks, giants and Goliaths that needed only the touch of God to get thawed? Are you not bothered seeing these Anakims rising from the four walls of your "fertile land", waxing stronger on the hill country; fortifying the territories which they snatched away from you at the time of rest (your unguarded moments), with a serious jealousy over their captives?

Are you not bothered that despite your advancement in age and experience in this "fertile Land" or your achievement in life and ministry, the Lord is still showing you the lands (tribes) that are yet to be conquered?

Beloved, it is not too late to cry like Caleb today in your heart sincerely: "Lord, give me this mountain!" This is the prayer that began this Ministry - Fire-Brand Int'l Ministries. I believe that at you sincerely say it in your heart, the Lord will begin something new in you, and His peace shall not depart from your life. Like us here in this Ministry, the Lord will tell you how to start. He said to us. "Tell and reach the people through those powerful means of social communication. By this, the Lord meant Radio, Television, and the Print Media, even when the use of these for evangelism presents a big challenge. It is true that by their use the evangelical message should reach a vast number of people, but with the capacity of piercing the conscience of each individual, of implanting itself in his heart as though he were the only person being addressed, with all his most individual and personal qualities, and evoke an entirely personal adherence and commitment.

The God we serve is a specialist in making ways where there is no way, only for those that trust in Him (See Exodus 14:13-29). Seeing the pain, the trouble, and all that is required for this job, the Lord promised a means of producing resource materials for this evangelical mission, because without which not much progress will be made in this field. As the Lord sends labourers into His vine yard, may He also give us the strength to fit into the warfare and self-denial by sending His light at dark times of trouble and the might not to shrink from any painful labour for Christ's sake. Amen.

Beloved, the call to send the light to the regions beyond is for you and me. It is a call to work for God in the midst of the untold millions who have not had the opportunity to hear of Jesus. May we not relent as we pray together - "Oh Lord, Give Me This Mountain!" Amen.