The Wild Goat
The sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm glow over the rugged terrain as I sat quietly, reflecting on the words that had resonated in my heart: "You have faith like a mountain goat." I paused, incredulous. "Really, Lord? Am I understanding this correctly? You're comparing me to a goat?" I couldn't help but chuckle at the absurdity. Goats? In my mind's eye, I conjured images of their scruffy fur and mischievous antics. They were nothing like the majestic eagle, with its ability to soar high, dive down into raging waters, and catch fish with grace. Goats seemed a far cry from that splendor, and I recoiled at the thought of such a comparison.
Yet, as I mulled over these words, the Lord began to open my eyes to a truth I had never considered. For so long, I had ignored the beauty hidden within His creation, viewing some of it as quite unremarkable. But Romans 1:20 whispered in my heart, reminding me that "Forever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities, his eternal power, and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God."
The scales fell from my eyes, revealing the wild goats of Psalm 104:18, "The high mountains belong to the wild goats…" I began to see these creatures anew. Agile and resilient, they danced across steep, rugged cliffs, thriving in the very environments that would bring others to tears. And in that moment, I realized that these goats were not merely surviving; they were flourishing in adversity, a metaphor for the faith that God desires for each of us.
The very rocks that seemed inhospitable were their sanctuary, as we see in Psalm 18:2, "The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer." In those steep, seemingly unreachable places, God provided shelter and safety, just as He does for us. I could picture the incredible cliffside, where these nimble creatures navigated treacherous ledges, never faltering. No slips, no falls, just grace. Could it be, I wondered, that God intended for me to embody that same strength and agility in my faith?
As I dug a little deeper, I stumbled upon a video that captured mountain goats scaling vertical rock faces, seemingly defying gravity. I watched spellbound, each bound upwards igniting a desire within me. What God proclaimed over me was an invitation. He is in the business of shaping our feet to ascend the very walls of His nature, our rock, our redeemer. Even when the journey feels perilous, we ascend with the faith He bestows upon us, inching closer to the heart of our Father.
To have faith like a mountain goat is to trust in God as we navigate the formidable mountains in our lives, be it health challenges, financial troubles, or heartache. This faith does not dwell in mere survival or hesitation; it boldly leaps into the unknown, joyfully confident that God upholds us with His righteous right hand. Just as the ibex holds its focus high above on summit peaks, we too must fix our eyes on the heavenly destination that awaits.
The truth that despite life's chaotic and painful trials, God blesses us with a "strength-giving love" that transforms trials into triumphs, leading us to spiritual elevation. Every reference from God's own Word about the mountain goat is a reminder of God's unwavering care for His creation. His Word assures us that even in isolated places, He shelters those who trust Him.
So I chose to embrace the call. Rather than dreading the drop, I would lean into the truth of my secure footing in God because He is the one fashioning my feet. Like the mountain goat, I would navigate life's challenges with joy, grace, and courage, trusting that, in my climb, I draw ever closer to the heart of my Savior.
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