Mapping Out The Journey
December 31, 2008 by Dawn
Filed under Bible Based Living
How has your year been? Have you lost heart? Felt like you didn’t accomplish anything?
This time of year most of us look back at all the should-a, would-a, could-a’s of the past year and determine ourselves to do better, make changes, have a great year. Then another year passes and back we are in this never ending cycle of wanting more and going nowhere. In Ephesians 3:13, we are told:
So I ask you not to lose heart [not to faint or become despondent through fear] at what I am suffering in your behalf. [Rather glory in it] for it is an honor to you. (AMP)
When I first read this verse, I noticed that the Amplified Bible is one of the only translations that actually references fear in the wording of the passage. We are warned not to become despondent through fear. Not to withdraw from our calling. Not to lose heart, get depressed. Looking through other translations, I found this interpretation in the Message:
All this is proceeding along lines planned all along by God and then executed in Christ Jesus. When we trust in him, we’re free to say whatever needs to be said, bold to go wherever we need to go. So don’t let my present trouble on your behalf get you down. Be proud! (vs. 11-13)
I almost feel that I am hearing the voice from Star Trek telling me that I can go boldly where no man has gone before. Do you hear the music in your head?
We should.
We need to stop and reflect back on this past year, and our past seasons, and realize that while we may have made some mistakes, we are on a journey. In that journey there is wonder, amazement, and adventure…problem is instead of getting excited about the things on our horizon, many times we allow our missteps, our misfortunes to sit us on the sidelines of life. Watching others pass by and obtain their calling.
So what do we do when we feel so despondent and withdrawn, defeated by our missteps of life?
If we were planning to travel to an unfamiliar destination, many of us would take the time to key our travel plans into the computer and receive a map with step by step instructions on how to get there. Similarly we are told that God has prepared a roadmap for us, and Christ Jesus has driven along the path.
Putting our faith and trust in the map God has for our lives enables us to embark on the journey set before us.
So as we enter this new year take the time to consider the calling God has set before you. Fill your tank up with your trust in Him, and be prepared to move boldly on the path of your life. Don’t fear any troubles or bumps along the journey, Jesus is the light along the path and He will lead you along the way to your final destination.
May 2009 be the year you embark on the journey without fear moving in God’s grace.
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