ABOUT THE JOURNEY

Becoming who God created us to be is indeed a journey—there’s a departure point, a destination, and it takes time.  As with any journey we choose to take, let’s say it’s a train trip, the decision to take that trip is up to us.  As is getting to the station and stepping onto the train.

But once we board the train, we entrust the journey and the destination to the One in control.  That can be the most challenging part—giving up the driver’s seat and sitting back while someone else takes the wheel.

And though relinquishing control and trusting God is required, there is a way we can help make the journey as smooth as possible, and it’s actually quite simple: be eager to learn, open to change, and ready to do as instructed when instructed. 

Yes, I know I said simple.  And I’ll be the first to admit that these are all often much easier said than done.  But they’re certainly easier than what was required of God’s people in Old Testament times.  And experience has taught me that what we gain on this journey far outweighs anything we put into it.

But don’t think this is a sit down and be quiet kind of trip, like kids buckled into the family station wagon on the annual 200 mile drive to Grandma’s house.  On this journey, although being still is necessary, being inquisitive is encouraged.  The “Guide Book” clearly instructs us to seek, ask, and knock.  (Matthew 6:33 & 7:7; Luke 11:10; Colossians 3:1)  And we can rest assured that our requests will never fall on deaf ears. (1 John 5:14&15)

Fair warning: Expect detours, delays, rough terrain, and encounters with other people.  Some of those encounters will be encouraging and uplifting.  Some . . . nnnot so much.

But take heart, there will also be eye-opening discoveries, breathtaking moments, beautiful scenery, rest stops, and excursions—some strictly educational, some rejuvenational (my word). 

Souvenirs will be available for us to acquire along the way: experiences and lessons learned, so when the journey isn’t so smooth we can reflect on what we’ve gained and look with anticipation to what lies ahead.

And, with God in control, all of our experiences, especially the unexpected and not so pleasant ones, are tools He can use to shape us.  Oh, did I mention that the One in control of the journey is also the Master Craftsman?  To learn more about The Silversmith, click here.

I waited way too many years to surrender to God.  In those years, I experienced many difficult circumstances.  I now know that I could have gone through each one of them with peace, joy, and hope rather than the anxiety I allowed to take up residence in my heart and mind.

I pray that the things I share through this blog will encourage you to begin, or continue on, your journey of surrender. 

Maybe you’ll even join me on my continuing journey and together, we can be still in the Lord’s sovereign and loving hands.