How To Move A Mountain
Have you recently driven south to get to Crescent City? If you take the Redwood Highway, it will lead you through the Collier Tunnel, which runs through Oregon Mountain.
The tunnel was completed in 1963, and it made the trip easier and faster than before. Previously, getting over the mountain required driving a 7-mile steep and narrow dirt roadway around 128 curves and switchbacks. An article published in 1960 called the old route “a highly inadequate section of highway” because of the difficult snow removal which made the journey impossible in winter.
The tunnel greatly improved travel for locals, and it was also the first direct route from northwest Nevada to the Pacific.
Originally called the Hazelview Tunnel, on completion it was named the Collier Tunnel in honor of California state senator, Randolph Collier. He was known as the “father of California freeways” for his continued support of highway development.
What is the spiritual lesson?
Jesus once made an incredible statement that faith can move mountains. “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed,” He said, “you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you” (Matthew 17.20).
How, you ask, could anyone move a mountain? Good news: it’s not as impossible as it sounds. The setting of the story helps to make clear Jesus’ meaning. A demonized boy was brought to the disciples but they could not heal him. Their faith was weak because of a fight over which of them was greatest. When Jesus arrived, He healed the boy immediately. When the disciples asked why they failed, He pointed out their weakened spiritual condition: “Because you have so little faith.”
Our problems can seem like mountains. When we lose our connection with God, the obstacles appear even bigger. But when we are humble enough to look to God for strength, He can bless our efforts to solve the problems.
The tunnel project required faith, cooperation, and power. It practically moved a mountain for motorists.
The workers had to persevere, but eventually they succeeded.
Does your difficulty seem like a trackless mountain?
Trust God who can help you make a way through it. Accept the help He provides, in whatever form it comes. Keep at it. There is light at the end of the tunnel.