4:149 – The Journey And The Destination

#faithbites #faithjourney journey

Setting

4 states, 450+ miles, and over 8 hours on the car and we’ve reached out first major pit stop. Still not the destination, but getting closer. We listened to music, sang, played games, laughed, and had good food. So far, besides a couple of grumpy kids, it’s been a good trip. Lots of memories and we haven’t even reached out destination. More fun to come.

Often people say it’s not the destination that matters but the journey to get there. What if it’s not an or but an and statement? What if we looked at the journey and the destination as both important and wonderful?

As Christians our destination is eternal salvation in Christ. Our journey is building a deeper connection to God and sharing his love to all. While we know the journey is hard, what if we looked at that as much as a gift as our after life with him?

Today’s Questions: What about our life do you treasure the most? How will you go about making your #faithjourney the most it can be?

Scripture

• Exodus 13:21 – And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead them along the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, that they might travel by day and by night.
• 1 Corinthians 3:15 – If anyone’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire.
• John 3:16 – For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

Reflection

From the beginning, God has blessed the journey. Even when the Israelites were lost in the desert, God was a light for them. He promised them salvation and he brought them to the promises land. Their travels were heavy and long, but they became stronger through God. In 1 Corinthians, we see that all of our works may burn up and be gone, but our destination in Christ is still secured. Then finally, in John, we see that our destination is never in doubt. If we believe in Christ, we will reach the destination and the gifts he promised us.

Now, what can we do to not just wait for the end? How do we make the journey as beneficial as possible? It’s easy and hard. We know that all we have to do is love God and love people. That he will make our paths known. But doing it, is easier said than done. We just need to work on how to do it. When we mess up, let’s pray and ask forgiveness. Let’s look at everything as things we get to do and not things we have to do. That mindset change, makes all the difference.

As we close, remember it’s not one or the other, both are important. Enjoy the journey as you prepare for the destination.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank you for the challenges and opportunities in life. We also thank you for giving us confidence that if we believe in you, we shall have eternal life. To ight we pray that you help us live in the today and anticipate the tomorow. Give us strength to conquer our struggles and comfort knowing the destination is certain. We pray all this in your name, Amen.