“Are we there yet?”
For parents this is such a common phrase to hear. Sometimes it feels as if we get asked this from our child as soon as we have left our neighbourhood! And if I think about it, sometimes I can be just the same.
For example, we are in the third year of renovating our house. And while we have done so much to our place, there is still a way to go. Sometimes I say, “I just want it all done already!”
Currently, we are working on our en suite. Recently, I asked my husband, “don’t you just wish you could click your fingers and it just magically appear!?” To which he replied, “but it’s about the journey, the process, the learning and the fun along the way.”
Well I think we have very different definitions of the word fun, but I can see what he was saying. If we skip straight to the result, we won’t learn as much or place the same value on the end product.
Our Spiritual Journey
Our spiritual journey can be much the same. Sometimes we want to skip straight to the end. To be fully developed and receive the promises and reach perfection. But rather than reaching the destination, our spiritual life really is more about the journey. There will be peaks and valleys, there will be a lot of learning, of leaning, of growth. And while on earth we aren’t going to reach perfection, rather we are going to be constantly on this journey, so we may as well learn to enjoy it.
Acts chapter 11 verse 26 explains that it was at Antioch that the believers were first called Christians. Before this they were known as followers of ‘the way’. This is a representation of a constant walk and journey of relationship with the One. We are always moving forward, following Christ as his disciples.
A more modern term of disciple would be the word apprentice.
An apprentice is learning from the master all the time, striving to be more like him with the hopes of one day doing the same works the master does.
In John chapter 14 verse 12, Jesus says
“I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works and even greater works, because I am going to be with the father.”
These are truly amazing words spoken by our master Jesus!
Learning to enjoy the journey
There is so much to learn and grow in our walk with Christ and in learning to be more like him. We need not beat ourselves up over making mistakes or lament the fact we aren’t perfect but rather to constantly lean into Him and exchange our ways for his ways. To surrender our will in exchange to do His will. To constantly abide in Him (John chapter 15), to be sensitive to His voice and leadings and to rejoice in the fact he rejoices over us!
The path may seem windy, steep and treacherous at times, but if we keep in close step with Him and acknowledge him in all our ways, he will make our path straight and uphold us with his victorious right hand!
(see Proverbs chapter 3 verse 6 and Isaiah chapter 41 verse 10).
Jo Fuller lives on the beautiful Sunshine Coast with her husband and young family. Jo has degrees in journalism and education and loves to read and write and spend time with her family.