What Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro Taught Me About Our Divine Purpose on Earth
ON THE BLOG
WHAT CLIMBING MOUNT KILIMANJARO TAUGHT ME ABOUT OUR DIVINE PURPOSE ON EARTH
The Journey That Changed My Perspective
I recently returned from climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, an experience that revealed profound truths about our purpose here on Earth. Standing at 19,341 feet, Africa's tallest peak offered more than breathtaking views—it provided spiritual insights that I'm eager to share with you.
Preparation vs. Experience: The Unbridgeable Gap
Before embarking on this adventure, my husband and I prepared. We:
Watched climbing videos
Read articles from experienced climbers
Studied our guide company's website
Prepared physically
Despite this preparation, one reality became immediately clear on the mountain: no amount of research could replicate the actual experience.
The physical demands pushing against my limitations, the mental strain when every step required conscious effort, the thin air at altitude that transformed simple movements into challenges—these weren't concepts I could understand through study alone. They required lived experience.
A Divine Pattern Revealed
This realization taught me something profound about our mortal journey. Our Heavenly Parents could have theoretically taught us everything in the pre-mortal world. They could have:
Shown us what patience looks like in perfect detail
Explained what compassion feels like with divine clarity
Described how to overcome challenges with perfect instruction
But divine wisdom extends beyond sharing information. They didn't just want us to know about these virtues—They wanted us to become them.
The Transformation That Only Experience Can Bring
Just as I couldn't truly comprehend what climbing Kilimanjaro meant until my boots were on that mountain, we couldn't fully grasp faith, love, patience, or resilience without experiencing them firsthand in mortality.
This reveals the divine design behind Earth life. It isn't merely a test—it's a divine workshop. A sacred laboratory. A consecrated space where knowledge transforms into wisdom through lived experience.
Becoming Through Living
When we:
Face challenges that stretch our capacity
Feel joy that expands our hearts
Experience heartbreak that deepens our compassion
Celebrate victories that show us our potential
We're not simply learning about these experiences intellectually—we're being fundamentally shaped by them. Each experience changes us in ways that mere knowledge never could.
The Divine Purpose of Mortality
Our Heavenly Parents understood this eternal principle perfectly. They knew that true progress doesn't come from understanding concepts abstractly but from living them authentically. That's precisely why we needed Earth life. That's why scripture tells us we "shouted for joy" at the opportunity to come here.
Standing at Kilimanjaro's summit, exhausted yet exhilarated, I understood more clearly than ever before: personal experience isn't just the best teacher—it's the only way to truly become who we're divinely meant to be.
Embracing Your Personal Mountain
What mountains are you climbing in your life right now? Whether facing:
Challenging relationships that test your patience
Health struggles that build your resilience
Professional obstacles that develop your perseverance
Spiritual questions that deepen your faith
Remember that each step, each struggle, each triumph is shaping you in ways that mere knowledge never could. Your experiences aren't just teaching you—they're transforming you into who you were always meant to become.
Have you had experiences that taught you profound spiritual lessons? I'd love to hear your story in the comments below.
Ready to Go Deeper?
Are you ready to write your next chapter?
Take the first step by scheduling a Clarity Conversation to explore coaching options HERE.
About the Author: Jill Pack is an advanced certified faith-based life + relationship helping women in the midseason of life discover divine purpose in their daily experiences. Subscribe to our Seasons of Joy Podcast more insights and practical wisdom.
Keywords: Mount Kilimanjaro climbing, spiritual growth, divine purpose, Heavenly Parents, mortal experience, becoming through challenges
