Devotion / Are we there yet?
So how do you feel about being on the road . . . traveling maybe for weeks at a time? Remember taking long vacation trips with little ones and facing the repeated question: Are we THERE yet?
I was reading about the Trans-Siberian Railway. That's quite the trip! It's a marathon that crosses 3,901 bridges as your train passes through 87 major cities. It covers over 5,771 miles with 876 stations along the way. At normal speed, I'm told it can be completed in eight days without disembarking. Travel agents suggest, though, that it’s better to take your time and plan 12-16 days for your trip.
"What time is it? What train am I on?"
Imagine traveling from Moscow to Beijing and having to deal with six-time zone changes! A challenge the average passenger might not appreciate is that the Trans-Siberian Railroad is not just a single railroad, but a network of five different lines where the track gauges are not always compatible. On your trip from Beijing to Moscow, you will have to take different trains along the way!
The journey of life
The Bible, of course, makes it clear that – whether we like to travel or not – all of us are travelers on the journey of life. Consider how often the people of God are pictured on journeys. Here's a partial list...
Abraham
Noah
Jacob
Joseph
Moses
The Children of Israel
Naomi & Ruth
David
Elijah
Nehemiah
Mary & Joseph
Peter
Paul
Are we there YET?
Every one of these brothers or sisters in faith faced challenges and obstacles. They stumbled into sins along the way. They called to their Lord for forgiveness, rescue, refuge, and guidance. That rough road of life began back with our first parents: Adam & Eve.
And each of us – whether here in America, or in China, or anywhere in the world – know that long and challenging road. Many stops and stations are encountered on the way. Sometimes we wonder if we are going in the right direction. We wonder when we finally will be there.
Take comfort in the loving Lord who has promised to be there every step of the way. As Psalm 23 reminds us, even when we are in the dark valleys, he will be with us. He has given us a light for our path ahead in his word.
Prayer: Almighty Lord, no matter where we are in our journey of life, you promise to be with us. Thank you for your goodness. When we question the timing and the obstacles, reassure us that all things work together for good to those who love you and follow your ways. Amen.
By Dave Payne