Before You Climb Any Higher

Valley Wisdom for Mountain Dreams

By: Jonathan McReynolds

Narrated by: Jonathan McReynolds

Read by the author.

We long for mountaintop experiences, but they’re difficult to achieve and impossible to maintain without the rest, nourishment, and strength found in lush, life-giving valleys. GRAMMY Award winner Jonathan McReynolds shows us why having a valley mindset is not what you think—it’s about receiving God’s grace, love, and encouragement as His beloved child.

Life is full of mountains to ascend, driven by our dreams, ambitions, and callings. But it doesn’t take much for even the strongest climbers to grow weary or lose their way. It’s important to have a “mountain mindset” to help us establish goals, to make steady progress, to achieve success, to do big things for God. A great mission requires from us a little grind, a little hustle, a little competition. But also plenty of time in the valley.

Most people equate valley moments with difficulty and pain, but a “valley mentality” is different according to Jonathan McReynolds. He’s reached the mountaintop—GRAMMY Award, nationwide tours, millions of followers, and more—but he experienced more refreshment, rest, and encouragement from the Lord off the mountain. He writes, “The valley is not about finishing anything, studying anything, or doing anything, but simply being a child of God.” In Before You Climb Any Higher, readers will discover:

• Taking breaks from climbing is necessary for your mental health
• Ways to find rest, renewal, and authentic community in the valley
• Identity should never be wrapped up in success and accolades
• How to prepare for the mountain climb with lessons learned in the valley
• It’s possible to live abundantly in the valley and on the mountain

We are more than our accomplishments, more than our mountaintop accomplishments. We are sons and daughters of God, who is calling us to rest in the valley, to replenish our souls, to be formed by the Spirit, to discover abundant life that is found only in Him.

Vulnerability and authenticity

We all go through struggles trying to be the best and do our best. This book is great at showing us the way to do that but prioritizing the Way The Truth and the Life! Time with Him gives us what we need to be who He created us to be. His

Vulnerability and honesty that I felt in his voice.

The whole narrative about his story and the analogy of being in the valley before you climb. Resonated with the valley.

Great Book

It me to know that even if things are less than favorable, my goal remains. And to build an infrastructure that can sustain me. Not all the way sure how to do that but this book affirmed me. Thank you.

Great book real and uplifting

This was a great book very uplifting great wisdom I love this book . I would read it again it’s real and authentic

I am running to be in the valley

This was such a beautifully written book. It is an insight into Jonathan’s personal experiences which makes him relatable. Also, the suggestions that he gives for anyone experiencing something similar to his, are encouraging and helpful. Listening to this book was like having an intervention with a friend. A reminder that the valley is a safe place to land and reset as often as you want/need. Thank you.