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Have you ever felt like there’s a mountain in front of you, something big, maybe even impossible, calling your name? Let me tell you, that feeling is not just for the young or the strong. It’s for every one of us, no matter our age, our past, or how many miles we’ve already walked.

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The Mountain That Calls Your Name

In 2013, a Japanese climber named Yuichiro Miura made history. At 70 years old, he climbed to the very top of Mount Everest. You’d think that would be enough. But five years later, at age 75, he did it again, becoming the oldest person ever to reach the summit of Everest. 

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When asked why, Miura said, “Mount Everest continuously calls to me and it is always on my mind.”

That’s how life is supposed to be. There must always be a “mountain” that calls out to you. Something bigger than yourself. Something that keeps you reaching higher, no matter your age.

 

Caleb: Give Me This Mountain

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The Bible tells us about Caleb, a man who, at 85 years old, still had mountains to climb. After 45 years of following God and waiting for God’s promise, 

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Joshua 14:7-14 NKJV, “I was forty years old when Moses the servant of the Lord sent me from Kadesh Barnea to spy out the land, and I brought back word to him as it was in my heart. Nevertheless my brethren who went up with me made the heart of the people melt, but I wholly followed the Lord my God. So Moses swore on that day, saying, ‘Surely the land where your foot has trodden shall be your inheritance and your children’s forever, because you have wholly followed the Lord my God.’ 

 

Caleb stood up and said, “Give me this mountain!” (Joshua 14:12). He wasn’t ready to retire or settle down. He wanted to conquer what God had promised him.

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No matter how old you are or what you’ve accomplished, you need a mountain to overcome. 

 

Even the Apostle Paul, after years of serving God, still pressed on, saying,  “I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14).

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Looking Back to Go Forward

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It’s important to look back sometimes. God told Israel to hold special feasts to remember what He had done. We remember not to get stuck in the past, but to make sure we’re still on track, still heading toward the mountain God has for us.

 

After 50+ years in ministry, I’ve seen too many people who didn’t make it. Not because they weren’t called, but because they didn’t survive the journey. 

 

Life didn’t go how they expected. 

 

They got discouraged, hurt, or just tired of climbing. Caleb, though, could say, “I am still here. I survived. I’m still climbing.”

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The First Challenge: Survive the Journey

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Every mountaineer knows the first challenge is survival. On Everest, there are five camps on the way up. Most climbers spend days or weeks at each one, waiting for the right moment to push higher. Many turn back, and some never leave the camp.

 

Life is the same way. It’s not just about how you start, it’s about surviving over time. 

Caleb survived the wilderness, the battles, and the disappointments. 

He didn’t just hang on, though; he kept his heart right. Some people survive the fire, but you can smell the smoke on them. They’re bitter, burned, and changed. 

The real miracle is to come through the fire and still have your heart right, still loving God and people.

Jesus warned us: “Because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold” (Matthew 24:12). 

Don’t let your heart grow cold. Stay in love with God’s will and purpose for your life.

 

The Next Challenge: The Mountains Yet to Climb

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Here’s the truth: There’s always another mountain. 

 

Joshua was old, and the Lord said, “There remains very much land yet to be possessed” (Joshua 13:1). 

Thank God for what He’s done in your life, but don’t get stuck there. There’s more to do, more to conquer, more people to reach, and more dreams to chase.

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Caleb said, “Give me this mountain.” He didn’t care about the giants or the fortified cities. He knew that if God was with him, nothing could stop him.

 

God’s Promise: Supernatural Blessing

When Caleb claimed his mountain, the Bible says, “Joshua blessed him and gave Hebron to Caleb for his inheritance” (Joshua 14:12–13). 

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God always wants to bless your faithfulness. 

 

He gives supernatural strength so you can overcome every challenge, mistake, or setback.

Maybe you’ve messed up, or maybe life has knocked you down. God’s blessing can protect you and guide you right where you need to be. It’s not about what you achieve, but about who you help, who you serve, and who you bring along with you.

 

Your Mountain Is Waiting

Let me challenge you today: don’t quit. 

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Don’t settle for camp when you’re meant for the summit. 

There are more mountains for you to climb, more victories to win, and more people to reach.

God has a plan for you. If you’re still breathing, you’re still called. You are an overcomer because you’re here. You haven’t given up, and you’re not done yet.

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So what mountain is calling your name? Don’t wait for the perfect time or the perfect conditions. Say, like Caleb, “Give me this mountain.” With God, you can overcome!

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You’re stronger than you think. God is with you. The best is still ahead: so get climbing!

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God bless you, 

Larry Neville