by Jan Greenwood

Every year, Pink Impact is such a mountaintop experience for me. Long before the first song is sung, I’ve already spent hours preparing. I dream about it. I think about it. I talk about it. I pray about it.

By the time the conference actually arrives, I’m so excited I can hardly stand it! Let’s just say that I come with some pretty high expectations of God. I pray He will show up and show off. What would be the point if He didn’t? I’m not interested in just a good time or a fun party. I come to encounter God, and I’ve never walked away disappointed. Indeed, every time I meet with Him face to face, I’m transformed.

Jesus also experienced a mountaintop moment. Matthew 17 tells about the time when Jesus invited Peter, James and John to trek with Him to the top of a mountain.

Jesus took Peter and the brothers, James and John, and led them up a high mountain. His appearance changed from the inside out, right before their eyes. Sunlight poured from his face. His clothes were filled with light. Then they realized that Moses and Elijah were also there in deep conversation with him. Matthew 17:1–3 (msg)

Jesus was so close to heaven that He was transfigured—literally changed from the inside out. What a “council meeting” this must have been—Jesus, Moses and Elijah! We don’t know what they talked about, but we could guess that maybe Jesus received the instruction, strength, support and grace to go on.

Peter broke in, "Master, this is a great moment! What would you think if I built three memorials here on the mountain—one for you, one for Moses, one for Elijah?" Matthew 17:4 (msg)

This wasn’t only a transforming moment for Jesus, but also for His friends. Peter was so blessed that he wanted to stay in that place—praising God and offering sacrifices. He even asked if they could just camp out at the top of the mountain! You may make fun of him for that, but I have to admit I can completely identify with Peter. I, too, want to stay in the transforming moment. It’s so sweet, so satisfying, so clarifying. Why would we want to move on?

While he was going on like this, babbling, a light-radiant cloud enveloped them, and sounding from deep in the cloud a voice: "This is my Son, marked by my love, focus of my delight. Listen to him." Matthew 17:5 (msg)

That is such a great description of what happens to us during a mountaintop moment. We, like Jesus, are marked by God’s love. We become the focus of His delight. We are called His daughters.

When the disciples heard it, they fell flat on their faces, scared to death. But Jesus came over and touched them. "Don’t be afraid." When they opened their eyes and looked around all they saw was Jesus, only Jesus. Matthew 17:6–8 (msg, emphasis added)

Maybe you feel a little like the disciples—scared to death. Or maybe you’re more like me—dreading the fact that Monday morning has arrived. Regardless of how you feel, Jesus understands. He’s ready to help you overcome your fear and set your feet on the path if you keep your eyes on Him. Here are a few suggestions to help you answer the question, "Where do I go from here?"

Write It Down
Write what you see. Write it out in big block letters so that it can be read on the run. This vision-message is a witness pointing to what’s coming. It aches for the coming—it can hardly wait! And it doesn’t lie. If it seems slow in coming, wait. It’s on its way. It will come right on time. Habakkuk 2:2–3 (msg)

A "mountaintop experience" is called exactly that for a reason. You are impacted, marked, changed by this encounter. When you go through a mountain experience, make sure you take some time to acknowledge and write down what God has done in your life. Put a date on it. Capture the first fruits of the experience by recording your personal thoughts about what God has said or done. If He gives you some specific instruction, note it and let it be a guide and an encouragement to you in the days and months to come. So take a minute and write it down.

Share It With Others
So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Romans 10:17 (nkjv)

When you share your “God-encounter” with another person, it seals the deal. God likes it when you believe and testify. If you only believe but don’t testify, then your mountaintop experience is like fruit that’s never eaten. It’s wasted. Ineffective. In addition, you not only have the ability to impart faith to another, but also to yourself. As you hear yourself tell it to others often, your own faith will rise and eventually stir you to action.

Just Begin
Just as the body is dead without breath, so also faith is dead without good works. James 2:26 (nlt)

When you begin to share your testimony and your faith rises, you won’t be able to be still for long. Your spirit will long to obey, to "get on the road." Don’t know what to do? No worries! Begin with a random act of kindness. Make a phone call. Write a note. Give a donation to someone who really needs it. Just begin. You can’t miss God if you begin to move in the fruits of the Spirit.

In John 15:5 (ncv), Jesus said, "I am the vine, and you are the branches. If any remain in me and I remain in them, they produce much fruit. But without me they can do nothing." As we seek after God and spend time with Him, He begins to produce fruit in us. And by the time we’re commissioned and sent forth from the conference, we’ve become branches that bear an incredible amount of fruit.

But do you know what happens when fruit is left on the vine? It quickly begins to rot. What was meant to produce sweet juice and seed for the next season, instead becomes bitter, shriveled and useless. It is wasted, and its potential is lost. Don’t allow this to happen to you. Gather your courage and allow Jesus to move you from the mountaintop to the winepress of everyday life. Because it’s in the winepress that real fruit begins to flow. And as you are "pressed" into service, rejoice … you are on your way to great victories!