The North Side of the Mountain
Several years ago, I bought Trina a beautiful grand piano. One day, I heard beautiful classical music when I came into the house and knew someone other than Trina was playing our piano. I walked into the room and was ready to confront this stranger in my house. What I didn't know was that the piano tuner had come to tune it. He quickly introduced himself and I calmed down and began to talk to the gentleman as he finished tuning the piano. He explained to me that our piano had a particularly “sweet” sound.
I was curious as to what makes a piano have a sweet sound? When I asked him what he meant, he explained that piano manufacturers prefer to use the wood from the spruce trees that grow in the highest parts of the mountains. The higher altitudes and the cold north winds make it difficult for trees to grow and survive. As a result, the wood grain usually grows stronger together. He said most piano manufacturers prefer the wood that comes from the trees growing on the north side of the mountain. In fact, some will only use the wood from the north side of these particular trees because this wood produces the sweetest sounds. I found it interesting that the sweetest music comes from the trees that grow in the most brutal environment.
Many times, we face difficult things in life that threaten to destroy us. However, the Holy Spirit works in our spirits with mighty power and enables us to stand. He will cause the “wood grain” to grow finer so that the “sweet sounds” of joy and faith are heard coming from within. The very things the devil meant for destruction can result in your faith becoming stronger. What the devil meant for evil, God has turned for good!
When the Apostle Paul and Barnabas found themselves in jail after preaching the gospel, instead of complaining, they prayed and sang praises to God. The sweet sounds of praise resulted in the earthquake that set them free! The greatest men and women of God have all faced challenges on the “north side” of the mountain. Refusing to quit, they acted on the Word of God and found strength to do the will of God. Isaiah 41:10 AMPC says, “Fear not [there is nothing to fear], for I am with you; do not look around you in terror and be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen and harden you to difficulties, yes, I will help you; yes, I will hold you up and retain you with My [victorious] right hand of rightness and justice.” The Apostle Paul in Ephesians 3:16 (AMPC) wrote, “May He grant you out of the rich treasury of His glory to be strengthened and reinforced with mighty power in the inner man by the [Holy] Spirit [Himself indwelling your innermost being and personality].”
What will you do when you are facing the pressures of life and you feel like you’re that spruce tree growing on the highest, coldest, north side of the mountain? What is the secret to surviving and finishing your course? How can you make a sweet sound instead of a broken, out-of tune noise? Count it all joy!
My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into divers temptations, knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that you may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. James 1:2-3
The joy of the Lord is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10
Rejoice in the Lord always…. Philippians 4:4
How can you rejoice in the middle of trouble? You KNOW something other people don’t. Paul said, “I KNOW whom I have believed,” 2 Timothy 1:12. In Job 19:25, Job said, “I KNOW that my Redeemer liveth” (Job 5:22). 1 Peter 1:8-9 says, "Yet believing, you rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith.” You must know that the “wood grain” of your spirit is growing strong and fine, and you will overcome. You will see God’s perfect and entire plan. Get ready for the sweet sound of victory that gives glory to God!”
Our recent mission to Turkey was a powerful success that strengthened pastors and church leaders who came from Turkey, Lebanon, Iraq, Iran, Egypt, Pakistan, Bulgaria, Europe, and the US. Thank you for your generosity to help distribute our books to these people groups. You enabled many pastors to receive the teaching and the deluge of the Holy Spirit that fell. Get ready for a massive harvest!
Thank you also for your partnership on the new Conference Center. You are invited to our first conference on November 7 – 9, 2023. We would love for you to make plans to come and be a part of our first meeting as we teach on one of my favorite subjects, In Christ.
For a gift of any amount, we will send you the CD set, North Side of the Mountain and our book, The Holy Spirit is a Genius. We believe these items will feed your faith. Thank you for your faithful partnership with us and we declare that “My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”
In Christ,
Mark and Trina Hankins