Introduction:
While driving my 18-wheeler through the United States and parts of Canada, I frequently encountered difficult Mountain Passes in dangerous weather conditions like snowstorms or thick fog. Despite the challenges, I stayed focused on the road, praying to Jesus and drawing on my expertise and experience to guarantee a secure trip. Likewise, keeping Jesus at the center is crucial, mainly when dealing with unknown circumstances.
These are five of North America's most dangerous mountain passes, frequently cited by professional truck drivers. Some passes are renowned for their challenging nature, while many times over, more treacherous passes are less recognized.
Truckers need to be cautious when approaching these, especially in bad weather.
### 1. **Cabbage Hill (Emigrant Hill) - Oregon, USA**
- **Location**: Interstate 84, near Pendleton, Oregon.
Cabbage Hill is famous for its steep slopes, sharp curves, and unpredictable weather conditions, particularly during winter. The descent into the Columbia River Basin can be challenging, with a series of tight turns and a steep drop that requires careful maneuvering.
### 2. **Donner Pass - California, USA**
- **Location**: Interstate 80, Sierra Nevada Mountains, near Truckee, California.
Donner Pass is well-known for its harsh winter weather, which includes heavy snowfall and ice that create dangerous conditions. The pass poses risks due to its high elevation, steep grades, and tight curves, especially during snowstorms.
### 3. **Wolf Creek Pass - Colorado, USA**
- **Location**: U.S. Route 160, near Pagosa Springs, Colorado.
Wolf Creek Pass features a steep incline and numerous sharp turns that pose a significant risk during winter. Additionally, the pass is renowned for its sheer cliffs and swiftly changing weather conditions.
### 4. **Mont Eagle - Tennessee, USA**
- **Location**: Interstate 24, near Monteagle, Tennessee.
Mont Eagle is famous for its steep slope and sharp turns. The pass features several emergency truck ramps, highlighting the risk it presents, particularly for truck drivers struggling to maintain speed.
### 5. **Eisenhower Pass (Johnson Tunnel) - Colorado, USA**
- **Location**: Interstate 70, near Dillon, Colorado.
Eisenhower Pass is one of the world's highest vehicular tunnels, exceeding 11,000 feet. The combination of high elevation, steep inclines, and frequent icy conditions poses a significant challenge for truck drivers, especially during winter.
Key Message: Similar to how I successfully navigated challenging routes by concentrating on what I knew to be faithful and trustworthy, I should approach life's challenges by centering my focus on Jesus. In a society that is becoming more distracted and even antagonistic towards Christian principles, it is crucial for us, as followers, to stand firm in our faith and fix our gaze on Christ.
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### 1. **The Call to Focus on Jesus**
- **Scripture**: Hebrews 12:1-2 (NIV) - "...let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him, he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."
**Central Biblical Lesson**: Throughout different phases of my life, including military duty, pastoral ministry, and health challenges, I have understood the importance of focusing on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.
- **Commentary Insight**: I am reflecting on how this passage has guided me through my personal and pastoral life. I see how focusing on Jesus helped me through my battle with cancer or how it sustained me during difficult times in ministry.
- **Example**: The narrative of Peter walking on water is relatable to all. Throughout my life, ministry, and career, I have encountered individuals who, in various situations such as counseling sessions or everyday life, have maintained their gaze on Jesus amidst challenges, resulting in significant positive impacts on their lives.
### 2. **Challenges to Keeping Our Focus on Jesus**
- **Scripture**: Matthew 6:33 (NIV) - "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
- **Biblical Principle**: Throughout my life, I have encountered numerous attempts by the world to divert my focus, be it through materialism, the challenges of supporting a large family, or the demands of pastoral work. However, I have discovered that prioritizing God's kingdom above all else consistently helps me gain the proper perspective.
- **Quote**: "We become what we behold. If we focus on Christ, we will become more like Him. If we focus on the world, we will conform to it." – Anonymous
Through my experience in pastoral ministry and counseling, I have observed how worldly distractions can quickly steer individuals away from God's intended path. Whether it is the chase for material wealth, the demands of everyday life, or the temptation of momentary gratifications, these diversions have the potential to distance us from our genuine calling slowly. Nonetheless, I have also witnessed the profound impact of redirecting our focus back to Christ.
For example, there was a couple I once advised who were close to getting a divorce due to feeling overwhelmed by work, financial issues, and unmet expectations. They had become fixated on their problems, neglecting the core of their marriage—Christ. During our sessions, I directed them towards refocusing on Jesus and making Him their priority. As they started praying together, delving into the Bible, and giving importance to their connection with God, I observed a remarkable change in their relationship. The challenges that used to drive them apart turned into opportunities for them to strengthen their bond with each other and the Lord.
While this is only one instance, it highlights an essential truth: by shifting our attention back to Christ, we open the door for His power to initiate transformation and rejuvenation. It serves as a prompt that regardless of how off course we may have gone, redirecting our focus to Jesus can guide us back to the path God laid for us.
As a Police Chaplain, I encountered people struggling with life's overwhelming pressures and distractions. One memorable incident was when a police officer opened up to me about feeling heavily weighed down by the demands of his job. The ongoing exposure to trauma, violence, and the stresses of the profession had started affecting his mental and spiritual well-being. He expressed feeling lost, disconnected from his faith, and finding it challenging to see meaning in his work and personal life.
Noticing that he was no longer centered on Jesus, I met with him frequently, providing spiritual guidance and a supportive presence. Our discussions revolved around the significance of prioritizing Christ in his life, regardless of the external situations. I advised him to take gradual steps—starting each day with prayer, meditating on the Scriptures, and intentionally seeking God's presence in his daily activities.
Gradually, I witnessed a transformation in his life. By redirecting his attention to Jesus, he discovered a revitalized sense of strength and serenity despite the significant hurdles posed by his profession. His familial connections grew more substantial, and he rediscovered a meaningful purpose in his career, seeing it not merely as a job but as a vocation to aid others in the name of Christ. While this change in perspective didn't eliminate his challenges, it equipped him with the resilience and optimism required to confront them with a rejuvenated spirit and mindset.
This encounter reminded me of the significant influence shifting our attention to Jesus can bring. It strongly indicates that, despite the daunting world, focusing on Christ can provide clarity, tranquility, and a purpose that surpasses worldly offerings.
### 3. **Practical Steps to Stay Focused on Jesus**
- **Scripture**: Philippians 4:8 (NIV) - "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."
- **Biblical Principle**: Through counseling many individuals and couples, I have realized the importance of focusing on what is trustworthy and respectable. I have integrated this Scripture into my life, particularly in my interactions with married couples and families. I soon discovered that advising others without applying the same Biblical principles in my own life was hypocritical, leading to similar challenges in my personal life. Practice what you preach and teach; others will witness the desired outcomes through your relationship with Jesus.
- **Practical Application**:
I am delighted to share that maintaining focus on Jesus through daily prayer and Scripture reading has proven beneficial, even during the busiest times. I want to encourage you to adopt similar practices. Numerous inspiring devotions are accessible for free on Social Media. Although I usually craft my devotions, I recommend selecting a Daily Devotion and committing to reading it daily. Consistently starting my day with prayer, faith, and uplifting Bible verses empowers me to lead a victorious life for Jesus!
- **Community**: As a pastor, I have witnessed the significance of belonging to a robust Christian community. This community has centered me on Christ, offering assistance, motivation, and responsibility. Just as it has been a pillar of support for me, it can serve the same purpose for others, leading us to stand firm in our faith, particularly in times of adversity.
**Worship**: Worship is essential for redirecting our hearts and minds towards Jesus. Over the years of leading congregations in worship, I have observed how it brings us back to the essence of our faith—Christ Himself. Whether it involves singing hymns, praying collectively, or reading Scripture, worship provides a setting where distractions diminish, and our focus is entirely on God. I have witnessed lives being changed in these moments as individuals experience God's presence and are reminded of His love and authority. Worship rekindles our focus on Jesus and fortifies our bond with Him, enabling us to live out our faith with a rejuvenated sense of purpose and zeal.
**Analogy**: Consider our lives as akin to a camera lens. Similar to how a camera requires precise focusing for a clear and sharp image, our lives require alignment with Jesus to preserve clarity and direction. There was a phase in my life when I felt notably unfocused—amidst a time when the responsibilities of ministry, family, and personal obstacles felt burdensome. I became sidetracked by the numerous obligations tugging me in various ways, leading to a loss of purpose.
I realized I needed to redirect my focus to Christ during this period. I consciously returned to the fundamentals by dedicating more time to prayer, delving into Scripture, and seeking God's direction in all my choices. This process was akin to fine-tuning a camera lens. The haze dissipated, and I started to perceive my life with fresh clarity. Once again, my purpose became evident, and I experienced a restored feeling of tranquility and guidance, reassured that my attention was once again centered on Jesus.
Reflecting on this encounter, I realized that when we feel disoriented, it is usually because we have turned our attention away from Christ. However, by purposefully redirecting our focus back to Him, clarity is restored, and His light guides us on the right path.
- **Quote**: "You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast because they trust in you." – Isaiah 26:3 (NIV).
This particular verse has been a foundational element in my life, particularly during my battle with PTSD and other significant challenges. There were instances when the weight of my past experiences felt insurmountable, and finding peace seemed out of reach. Nevertheless, this Scripture acted as a prompt to direct my focus towards God, to depend on His unwavering presence and faithfulness. Clinging to this assurance, I realized that God's perfect peace—sustained me through the darkest moments. It wasn't an immediate transformation but a gradual comfort that grew stronger as I trusted Him daily. This verse has genuinely served as a guiding beacon, leading me back to the stability of mind and heart that emerges solely from having faith in the Lord.
### 4. **The Reward of Staying Focused**
- **Scripture**: 2 Timothy 4:7-8 (NIV) - "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—not only to me but also to all who have longed for his appearing."
- **Biblical Principle**: I urge you to reflect on your faith journey, which for me began during my military service and has continued throughout my extensive ministry at the Family Worship Center in Butte, Montana, and beyond to the present day. My life serves as evidence of the benefits that arise from focusing on Jesus. I encourage anyone and everyone to have faith that their devotion to Christ will result in blessings, bringing not only present contentment and peace but also a promising future. Remain unwavering in your faith, understanding that your loyalty to Christ will yield blessings in the present and the afterlife.
**Illustration**: Throughout the years, I have known several close friends who encountered significant challenges but remained resolute in their commitment to Jesus. Despite facing severe illnesses and enduring significant personal hardships, they chose to center their attention on Christ, believing in His plan even during the most trying times. Their unwavering faith allowed them to maintain a profound sense of peace and joy. Today, their lives are potent examples of the sustaining strength gained from keeping Jesus at the forefront. Through my relationships with them, I have understood that regardless of our difficulties, focusing on Christ brings a deep and enduring peace that surpasses any other.
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### Conclusion:
- **Summary**: Keeping our gaze fixed on Jesus despite the distractions and obstacles we encounter is essential. Drawing from my anecdotes and experiences, I have witnessed firsthand that maintaining focus on Jesus is achievable and incredibly fulfilling. Whether in military service, ministry work, or personal struggles, centering my attention on Christ has given me clarity, peace, and a sense of purpose. The benefits of this unwavering focus are significant, offering tranquility and satisfaction in the present and the assurance of eternal life with Him. Let this serve as a reminder that by staying anchored in Jesus, we discover the resilience to weather any storm, with boundless blessings to follow.
- **Closing Illustration**: Allow me to take you back to a story from my time as a truck driver, navigating challenging routes throughout the country. I recall a dangerous night, maneuvering through a snowstorm on a narrow, twisting mountain pass. With visibility nearly nonexistent and the road covered in ice, I depended entirely on my training, expertise, and tools. There was no room for distraction or loss of concentration; every second counted. My safety and that of fellow road users hinged on my unwavering focus.
Similarly, we need to have faith in Jesus and maintain our concentration on Him, regardless of the obstacles presented by the world. The trials of life may seem as challenging as traversing that icy mountain pass, but as we lean on our faith and fix our gaze on Christ, He will steer us through. Just like I had confidence in my training and equipment to navigate that difficult path, we can have confidence in Jesus to lead us securely through life's storms. Regardless of how arduous the journey may be, by focusing on Him, we can discover tranquility and certainty that He is by our side, guiding us every step.
- **Call to Action**: I urge you to dedicate yourselves to daily routines that will help you stay focused on Jesus. Whether you begin your day with prayer, immerse yourself in the Scriptures, or engage in worship, these practices are crucial for maintaining your gaze on Christ. I also urge you to take a moment to evaluate your life and pinpoint any areas where distractions may have led you astray from Jesus. The world's pressures and temptations can easily divert our attention, but now is the time to seek His guidance for realignment. Ask God to uncover those distractions and assist you in aligning your heart and mind with His intentions. By committing to this, you will enhance your bond with Christ and encounter the peace, clarity, and purpose that arise from steadfastly fixing your eyes on Him.
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