ENCOURAGEMENT FOR THE JOURNEY

There is an old Dutch proverb that says “He who is outside the door, already has a good part of his journey behind him.” We are all on a journey. It begins, not when we’re born, as some have suggested, but when we’re conceived in the womb. As we travel on this journey, there are many roads to choose from. Some are chosen for us by others, and we are forced down some roads by circumstances, but where we end up is ultimately up to us.

By setting goals in life we can reach our destination more efficiently, and with fewer pitfalls. Our ultimate goal should be heaven. I know there are some who say there is no heaven and that God does not exist, but the Bible says, those who say there is no God are fools (Psalm 14:1; 53:1). The religion of evolution has clouded the minds of countless millions, but there is no excuse for not following God.

The Bible says, “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament shows his handiwork” (Psalm 19:1).

The Bible also says, “what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse” (Romans 1:19-20).

There is no excuse for not following God. He created us. He loves us. He died to save us from the power of sin, and he’s coming back for those who love and obey him. Those who have been born again. Soon he will end all this suffering and we will live with him forever.

I truly believe we are almost at the end of our journey. What a day that will be when we stand face to face with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who loves us and gave himself for us (Romans 5:8, Titus 2:14).

As we travel on this journey we should invite everyone we meet along the way to join us. At the same time let us be aware that our enemy, “the devil, walks around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour (1 Pet. 5:8).

We’re often tempted, but God won’t allow us to be tempted with more than we can handle. God always provides a way for us to escape without sinning (1 Cor. 10:13). The Bible says he is able to keep us from sinning (Jude 1:24). Sometimes we get discouraged and take our eyes off Jesus. It’s in those times that Satan and his forces can overwhelm us and we give in to sin. When we sin we’re ashamed to face God, just like Adam and Eve were when they sinned in the garden of Eden. They ran and hid from God.

There’s an Ethiopian Proverb that says, “He who Conceals a disease cannot expect to be cured.” That’s the way it is with sin. Sin is a terrible disease and if we keep our sins concealed we can’t expect to have them forgiven.

In 1 John 1:9, the Bible tells us, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Praise the Lord for that verse. It’s so good to know that he loves us and will forgive us if we confess. This is something every follower of Christ needs to understand. It can be a determining factor in where our journey takes us.

As we walk, day by day, through this sin-cursed earth, we must realize that this world is not our home. We are only passing through. We are headed for a better home on high, whose founder and builder is the Creator of life itself (Heb. 11:10).

We can’t walk through life with blinders on. We need to be aware of what’s going on around us. Although we must be in the world, we must not be of the world. Let’s keep our eyes on Jesus and persevere. We will receive our reward when he comes in the clouds of heaven. And it will be a reward far beyond anything this world could ever offer us.

The road ahead may get rough and rocky, but don’t be discouraged. “He that endures until the end shall be saved” (Matt. 10:22). One hundred percent trust in God is a must for these last days because things are getting bad already. Believe me, our faith WILL be tested, so surrender your life to Jesus and be born again. Trust, obey and serve the King of Kings. Lift up your eyes and behold the Great City of God. “In a little while, we’re going home.”

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