

Before the Mountains Were Brought Forth
“Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.” — Psalm 90:2 I interviewed my brother, Joey Wickham, to hear the story of his climb of Mera Peak in Nepal—and the more I listened, the more I realized this story was about so much more than climbing a mountain. It’s amazing what our bodies can endure when our minds are set on something beyond ourselves. Joey’s story is filled with moments that would have made me turn around: headaches that lasted for days, nausea, extreme fatigue, and the relentless effects of altitude. There were moments when even he had to rethink the goal he had set out to accomplish. And that raises a question: What happens when we turn around? Sometimes turning back is wisdom. Sometimes it is necessary. But sometimes, giving up leaves us wondering what might have happened if we had just kept going. Would there be regret? Would we always wonder what was waiting for us at the top? There are few things in this world that can compare to the feeling of standing above the clouds, looking out from the top of the world. But even that beauty will pale in comparison to the beauty of a new and perfect heaven and earth. (Revelation 21: 1-8) Joey’s story is about a group of guys taking on a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to climb one of the world’s great mountains. But underneath that adventure are lessons about the trials along the way, the moments of doubt that threaten to derail us, and the pride that can sometimes be hidden inside us. Ultimately, this story is about recognizing that we are but men. The mountain doesn’t care how strong you think you are. Your body has limits. Your mind has limits. And altitude has a way of reminding you of both. As Joey put it: “You can be the fittest person in the world and the altitude can still take you out!” And maybe that’s part of what makes a mountain such a powerful reminder of who God is. The mountains exist because He made them. He was there before them. They were there before us. Both will pass away. God will remain. From everlasting to everlasting, He is God. Come listen to Joey tell the story of Mera Peak—and maybe see the mountain a little differently when you reach the end. Relive some of the moments with Joey! Nadine@9’s Substack is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Nadine@9’s Substack at nadineat9.substack.com/subscribe


















