Here in Santa Clara, we actually live in a valley. Surrounding us are hills. In the summer and fall, the hills are brown and not as breathtaking to look at. With winter, comes the rains; and our hills become a lush green color. Every so often, if the temperatures are cold enough, we will see snow on the tops of our hills. The hills are all about us; there really is no escaping them. 

For some people, the hills are an obstacle blocking their pathway–something to overcome–while others see them as a hedge of protection. No matter how you feel about them, there is really only one way to look at them when you are in a valley; and that is to look up. It brings to mind the verses in Psalm 121: “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.” 

Whether I am driving home from teaching or driving to the grocery store, I can see the hills; and almost every time I think, “I will lift up mine eyes…. my help cometh from the Lord.” It has become my moment each day to beg God for something that only He can do. This past year, like so many before, has been another year of answered prayer, yet I still have so many more requests. There are things that only the hand of God can bring about. With attention to world events and political unrest, it would be easy to think that it is all too far gone. Instead, we can lift up our eyes to the hills and ask for the impossible. The funny thing about answered prayer–it has a way of building your faith. 

So what is it that you need God to do? What is something in your family’s life that only He can do? Our prayer requests come in all shapes and sizes. Sometimes I notice the hills that look so brown and dry, and I pray for rain. How about you? Do you have any hills nearby? Have you lifted up your eyes recently? 

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Miriam Chung, Christian School Teacher

Mrs. Chung grew up around the work of the ministry and now has the privilege of teaching at the North Valley Baptist Schools. She and her husband faithfully teach young people and are a vital asset to the ministry of NVBC.