A Journey

Just think—you don't need a thing, you've got it all! All God's gifts are right in front of you as you wait expectantly for our Master Jesus to arrive on the scene for the Finale. And not only that, but God himself is right alongside to keep you steady and on track until things are all wrapped up by Jesus. God, who got you started in this spiritual adventure, shares with us the life of his Son and our Master Jesus. He will never give up on you. Never forget that. 1 Corinthians 1:7-9 (The Message)

Through the years, I’ve taken part in a number of small group Bible studies.  We often talked about our spiritual journey.  I like thinking about my spiritual growth as a journey.  It makes me realize that I'm constantly evolving as I learn more about my faith.

One aspect of the faith journey that had not crossed my mind previously is that a spiritual journey can be very similar to any other kind of trip. When we prepare for a vacation, we may make a list of tasks to complete before we leave—do laundry, pack, stop the newspaper and the mail, make reservations, etc. But I've never made a list of tasks that need to be done to continue on my faith journey. I guess I've just assumed it would happen without a lot of planning.  I'm beginning to think I may be wrong.

If I put more time into thinking about my faith and this "spiritual adventure" I'm on, I would probably get more out of it. Maybe I'd be more in tune with God's plan for me, rather than always trying to take control of everything myself.  I'm not sure what tasks I would put on my list to prepare for the spiritual journey, but I'm sure prayer, study, worship and fellowship would need to be included.

            

As Eugene Peterson says in The Message, all God's gifts are right in front of us, and God is right next to us. He's on the journey with us—have we included him in our plans?

Prayer: Dear Lord, Thank you for being our travel companion through this spiritual journey we are on.  You keep us steady and on track—when we let you.  We appreciate your willingness to share your son with us.  Please forgive us when we get wrapped up in the details of planning a trip without remembering to include you.

Robin Hadfield