Travelling

Travelling

by

Ineke Cornish

Recently I’ve been on the road more than usual and often during peak times where congested roads and traffic snarls are the norm.

Frequently, as traffic grinds to a halt, drivers demonstrate aggression or impatience and even foolhardiness in trying to get to their destination faster.

At other times I’ve enjoyed the peacefulness and beauty of country roads, and constantly marvel at God’s wonderful creation.

Travelling and living the Christian life has many similarities.

 Planning the Journey

Before setting out we need to plan the route; in the past it meant poring over maps to learn which streets to use and the ones to avoid. Of course today we mostly use a GPS.

 As a Christian it’s also vitally important to plan life’s journey. We need to be studying God’s word every day to avoid pitfalls and to know His will for our lives. -  see Proverbs 2:6-9 and also Proverbs 3:6 “In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths”

 Signposts

 Along every road there are signs, some warning of dangers, some indicating speed limits or altered conditions, some advertising attractions and events or maybe even relating to political or social issues. We can choose to ignore these signs (often to our own detriment) or take appropriate steps to ensure our safety and that of others.

Life’s like that too; our lives are often distracted by things that take our attention away from the Lord and we neglect the signposts in the Bible. There are many that warn, instruct, correct and challenge.

  “All Scripture is given by inspiration from God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” 2Timothy 3:16.

Focusing on the Destination

Ultimately when we begin a journey, we look forward to reaching our destination. There may be diversions or delays that alter our initial plan, but eventually we hope to arrive safely and on time. Also, when we do reach the end of our journey we anticipate we will be expected and welcomed.

The Christian too looks forward to reaching the end of his journey, and the Bible is very explicit and expansive on this subject.  In John 14:1-3 Jesus tells us “in My Father’s house are many mansions… and “I go to prepare a place for you.”

In Hebrews11:16, we read of an eternal heavenly city while Revelation 21 and 22 describes in glorious detail a new heaven and a new earth, where God will dwell among His people and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes.

All those who through faith, and only by grace, trust in the redeeming work of our Saviour, Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvary are assured of their place in Heaven, and a welcome like none other!

Make sure today that you are heading for that destination.