Source/Author: Dr Michael Dalseno

There are a number of features that impact our journey through life. Here are five that seem to relate to us at one time or another.

FIVE INDELIBLE FEATURES OF JOURNEYS

By Dr.   D

Choices are something we are all faced with every day, as alternative pathways and courses of action open before us. Some choices are avoidable, like whether or not to spend the money in my pocket for what is beckoning and begging in a shop window, but other choices are simply not avoidable, like whether or not I must walk life’s journey. Hence, we may as well make the most of it, maximize its potential, and become acquainted with some of its indelible features.

1. All journeys start out in faith, and endure in faith. We are told in Heb. 11.8 that Abraham, by faith, “when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.” We might eagerly start out in faith, but the bigger challenge is to keep walking in faith and finish properly.
2. A journey usually entails crossing some rivers. Moses and all Israel no sooner set out on their journey that they had a river to cross (Ex.14.21-22). This entails going forth into a new world with new ways of doing things, and leaving behind some of the features of the old world. Change has to be embraced, and that usually means ditching some of our old attitudes and methodologies.
3. A journey is seldom ever straight. Oddly enough, when the Israelites set out for Canaan following their deliverance, they travelled in almost the complete opposite direction to Sinai (Ex.19.1-2). There is always some degree of uncertainty, unpredictability, risk, challenge, unexpected variables and outcomes on a journey. Forget about it always being perennially cozy, predictable and straight.
4. A journey is never without its trials, tests and tribulations. Although having experienced the miracle of the Red Sea, Israel came thirsty to a place called Marah and complained that the water was bitter (Ex.15. 22-24). This was but the first realization among others to come that all journeys, though occasionally bumpy, do get to where they are destined if we remain focused and faithful. Grumbling and complaining along the way never helps anybody.
5. Never presume to become callous and carefree on the journey. Moses and Aaron had faithfully led Israel for 40 years until Moses derided the holiness of God and lashed out at God’s provision in frustration (Nu.20.10-12). Neither Moses nor Aaron entered into the Promised Land. Becoming lax and blasé on the journey exacts a price. Journeys are to be enjoyed, and not just endured, as they indeed can be with a faithful eye on God’s promises and a heart inclined towards God’s purposes for your life.