It's a Journey...Not an Event!

No matter where we go or how far it is from where we start to our destination, my kids will often ask the quintessential question, "Are we there yet?" followed quickly by, "How much longer until we get there?" They're often very excited about the destination but not very excited about the journey to get there. We go back to Missouri a few times a year and they are always happy to see grandparents & friends, but about halfway into the 9 hour drive they always ask those questions with exasperated looks on their face. Unfortunately I have to be the bearer of bad news telling them we have 4 hours to go. But being a good Dad (actually just being a Dad who doesn't want to hear them whine for hours), we'll stop at the gas station get a snack to take their minds off the distance and they endure to the end.

It's funny how the story of Christian life parallels the feelings my kids express on those long trips. No matter how long you've been a Christ-follower, haven't you even thought to your self or even asked God, "Are we there yet? Am I getting anything right in my Christian walk? When am I going to stop dealing with the same stuff everyday? When will I feel like I am a good Christian? How much longer?"

In this day of modern conveniences we expect a fast pace and quick results. When we travel we travel quickly. But the Christian life isn't a 30-minute car ride. It's a lifelong journey. Becoming a Christian isn't an event; it's a journey. Think of the journey more like a walk than a high-speed trip from point A to point B. If you walked from wherever you currently live to the southern tip of South America it would take far longer than flying or even driving. And along the way you would encounter heat, rain, roadblocks, obstacles, injuries, and delays. But if you walk long enough you will reach your destination. You'll reach it with an experience, a story, and most likely you'll be a different person for the better.

Christianity is not an event; it's a journey. Receiving Jesus Christ through salvation is the start of the journey and the destination is eternal life in heaven with him forever. Between the start the destination are plenty of lessons, obstacles, delays, pressure, and frustration. But it also includes joys, grace, favor, blessing, people, and hope that overcomes them all! Don't give up on the journey no matter how hard it becomes. Whatever mountain you are climbing today, just remember at the top you will have the perspective to see what God was doing. Then going down the backside, put your arms in the air like on a roller coaster and praise God for all that He's shown you and done in your life.

Have a GREAT week!!!