Mountain Climbers: What to do when God doesn’t move the mountain

By Travis McKamie

Many songs, sermons, and scripts revolve around the theme of faith that can move mountains. But what do you do when the mountain refuses to move? You may find yourself wondering, “Is there something wrong with my faith? Have I done something wrong? Is God angry with me?”

Mountain Climbers seeks to address these questions and more; it deals not with physical mountains but the metaphorical mountains that tower over you. You may not always understand why God allows you to meet such intimidating obstacles, but there is always a purpose. God will often allow you to climb the mountain rather than moving it for you. But no worries—God will climb it with you! You can overcome the heights of insecurity, fear, offense, and seemingly impossible situations. In these essays, author and pastor Travis McKamie shares the real-life lessons he has learned from the valleys, journeys, and mountaintops that he reached when he chose to climb.

Stop standing in the shadow of life’s mountains and wondering whether they will ever move. Instead, find the motivation to equip yourself, take the first step, and start climbing. After all, the view will be better from the top!

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Aug 2, 2023
• ISBN: 9798385001910

Travis McKamie

Travis McKamie is the lead pastor at First Assembly of God in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Despite being born legally blind, Travis has served in full-time ministry for over twenty years. He has also served on district staff teams and committees with the Assemblies of God. Travis longs to see others with handicaps reach their full potential in life.

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ISBN: 979-8-3850-0190-3 (sc)

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WestBow Press rev. date: 08/02/2023

I dedicate this book to the Holy Spirit, who helps me climb life’s mountains, my wife Pamela, my children Seth, Kelsey, Isaac, Joshua, Adeline, and Unity Church Magnolia for their tremendous support with this project.

CONTENTS

Forewords

Introduction

Unit 1: THE WHY

Chapter 1 Climb It—Don’t Move It!

Chapter 2 Mountains of the Lord

Chapter 3 The Call Upward

Unit 2: THE WHERE

Chapter 4 The Mountain of Me

Chapter 5 The Mountain of Offense

Chapter 6 The Mountain of Fear

Chapter 7 The Mountain of Impossibility

Unit 3: THE HOW

Chapter 8 Lessons from the Valley

Chapter 9 Lessons from the Journey

Chapter 10 Lessons from the Top

FOREWORDS

FOREWORD 1

I have known Travis McKamie from a distance for quite some time. What he has done at the Unity Church and in Magnolia is nothing shy of remarkable. His leadership and accomplishments have given him a voice to speak to a broader audience.

Over the past year, I have been privileged to know Travis in a more personal way. I invited him to be a contributor to our Healthy Ministers and Thriving Churches initiative. He proved to be a valuable asset and a continued advisor on this project.

Travis asked me to read the manuscript of a book he had written, and I enthusiastically agreed. I did read it and thoroughly enjoyed the journey. If I hadn’t had another obligation that day, I would have read it in one sitting.

Mountain Climbers is a book that is very practical and, at the same, time challenging. The subjects of each chapter are familiar ground but difficult to traverse without guidance. This is where Travis’s book comes in handy, like a topographical map.

Travis helps us navigate the terrain of trouble with solid biblical illustrations, personal stories, and practical applications in a readable format. At the end of most chapters, Travis leaves a clear trail to scale the utmost heights without slipping. It is a much better climb when you listen and climb with someone who is experienced.

You will benefit and be better prepared for the climb by reading this book. At first, you will be looking up at a mountain of impossibility, but in the end, you will love the view from the top.

Roland Smith, author of the book Peak, said, For a climber, saying that you are stopping by Everest is like saying that you are stopping by to see God. Mountain Climber will ultimately lead you to the God of the impossible because knowing Him is what brings all things into greater visibility and understanding. Enjoy the climb.

Ronnie Morris, ThD

Superintendent

Arkansas District Council of the Assemblies of God

FOREWORD 2

Have you found yourself standing at the base of a mountain wondering how you’ll ever reach the summit? Will you ever have clarity again?

None of us are insulated from the overwhelming pains, disappointments, and discouragements that we face on life’s journey.

From the first time we met Travis and his family, we began to understand how perseverance and the call of God on his life have prepared him to write this book.

This inspiring testimony identifies who we are in Christ, where we’re going, and how to get there. He reveals that when we refuse to quit but keep climbing the mountain in front of us, it will create a greater dependency on God.

Travis and Pamela have approached every crisis in life with courage and confidence that God would see them through. He has taught his children and church family that when they go through deep waters, they will not overtake them. When they go through the fire, they will not be burned (Isaiah 43:2).

He teaches us that when we’re staring straight up the rock cliff wall of the mountain crying out, Will I ever experience the freedom of the summit? Lord, will you help me? suddenly, a rope drops over the edge, and you hear a voice say, Grab the rope and trust Me.

We don’t have to settle for a base-of-the-mountain relationship with God. Remember: there are two ends to the rope. I think we put too much emphasis on the finished product rather than the process of climbing one step at a time. We don’t have to climb the rock ledge alone. Just trust the One above you. Be confident that He Who began a good work in you will carry it through to completion.

Regardless of where you are in your spiritual journey, exciting prospects lie just ahead for you. Roadblocks are going to be pushed aside. Obstacles are going to be overcome. Destructive habits are going to be broken. Pastor Travis is about to lead you into life-altering changes and breakthroughs. You don’t have to settle for the base camp. It’s time to grab the rope and experience the journey to the summit. Let’s go. The view is better from the top.

Pastors Ron and Susanne Cox

Kingwood Church/Legacy of Purpose

FOREWORD 3

The first time I met and had a conversation with Travis and Pamela, I could tell that they were well acquainted with and experienced in crossing valleys and climbing mountains.

Through the past seven years, I have had the up close and personal privilege of observing them victorious practicing all that Pastor Travis shares in Mountain Climbers. While their ascent has had its expected and unexpected challenges, I can unequivocally say that I have been thoroughly amazed by their sure, steady, and successful scaling of mountain after mountain.

Life manufactures mountains for everyone. Participating in the supernatural and practicing the scriptures, Travis has proven himself as a worthy author of this book.

With artful and practical prose, based on the Bible, laced with anointing and certified with personal experience, Pastor Travis has given you a tried and true path to the top of every mountain in your path.

Without reservation, I highly recommend Mountain Climbers.

Larry Moore

Former Superintendent of the Arkansas District Council of the Assemblies of God

FOREWORD 4

I have had the privilege of knowing Travis McKamie for seventeen years. During these years, Travis and I have worked side by side as he faithfully served as my administrative assistant during my tenure as the Kentucky District Men’s Director, as well as assisting me with my personal ministry.

Throughout the course of this time, I have witnessed Travis grow from a young man in search of his calling in life to a seasoned minister thriving in his gifting.

Travis didn’t get to the place he is today by happenstance. He has wrestled as Jacob, persevered as Jeremiah, and triumphed as Joshua. It has been my joy and distinct honor to watch the metamorphosis of Travis’s life. He serves with humility, leads with courage, and perseveres with conviction.

Mountain Climbers is the culmination of a journey traveled by a young man in pursuit of his God, his calling, and his legacy. If you are ready to pursue God as never before with increased endurance, faith, hope, and conviction, then Mountain Climbers is the book for you.

Lee and Dotty Williams

Lee Williams Ministry

From Pain to Promise

INTRODUCTION

Recently, I was on a road trip to Branson, Missouri. If you have ever been to Branson from the South, you know that there’s no good way to get there. Narrow roads with steep drop-offs wind around and around the mountains.

Have you ever thought, Why didn’t they just move the mountain? It’s been done before! Instead, the only way to the top is to go around and around again.

Sometimes life can be this way as well. Many times we repeat the same mistakes over and over because we refuse to make the changes necessary to scale the mountains that stand in our way.

Other times we choose to stand in the shadow of the mountain while we wait and hope that God will move it. Although I know He can and will at times move the mountain, sometimes He chooses not to. It is in these moments that we are defined. Will we be limited by the mountain? Will we try to find a way around the mountain, or will we put one foot in front of the other and start climbing?

This book is designed to give you the courage to be a mountain climber rather than one who is paralyzed by your mountain. Mountain Climbers will not only motivate you to start climbing but also give you the tools and wisdom you need to make it to the top.

I have included some of these tools, called First Steps, at the end of each chapter. Take time to ask the self-evaluation questions.