Sometimes life seems like a long road, one that can go on for quite a while, one that appears to have no end. Noah, Abraham, Moses even David are just A few examples of people that come to mind, who would have had what seemed a journey that went on forever but the more I think about it the more I come to realise God provides everything needed for the journey, including moments of rest and making it all well worth the trip.
The road that goes on
One thing that seems to go on forever is that journey to that place you’re being called to. It could be that job, that career it could be anything that God has called you too. It took David decades to ascend to the throne and even then, he lost it or Moses who spent 40 years tending sheep and then another 40 wandering across the desert. We get the idea; the road can stretch from years into decades and even into centuries. Despite all of it God made it worth it, He not only provided every need but every moment of rest. It’s becoming clearer that a lot of the time things have to go on in order to be prepared for what’s at the end.
All provided for
Personally, I am becoming increasingly aware of just how little we pay attention to everything around us. We tend to only focus on what is immediately in front of us. So often we panic, failing to realise that everything we need has already been provided in one way or another and that all that’s left to do is actually get on with the journey. Putting it in another way, if Noah hadn’t trusted God and in His perfect provision would he have ever actually gotten on that ark? let alone built it? God is God, and He isn’t limited to the mistrust or arrogance of man. For all we know He would have made it work as He does, but the point is this we need to get on with the journey and trust God’s perfect provision.
Moments of Rest
Whenever you go on a long trip there are always those rest stops. That place to stop and take a load off. I think sometimes we forget that God provides perfect moments of rest just when we need it. There are those who’d prefer to push through, and often it ends badly or you get to where you’re going and have nothing left. How much better off would we be if we started becoming more aware of those moments of rest and taking full advantage of them? This is something I struggle with personally, learning to take a moment of rest. The more we push through and skip those God given moments of rest, the worse things are and there is always that possibility of missing an opportunity in that place of rest.
Well worth it
There are several moments that I recall where I know I have arrived at a place that I need to be. Nothing on this earth compares to knowing that you are right were God has bought you, it is worth every mile. I can also recall those times that I have pushed through and looking back now, realising that I missed something in one of those moments of rest, it isn’t a pleasant feeling. The journey is always worth it in the end and this walk with God is a series of journeys compiled into one monumental journey. Every time I’ve arrived at the end of one and began another, I am rewarded this feeling of knowing that I am one step closer to that place God has called me to and prepared just for me. Being a step closer and knowing I am heading the right way makes every part of the process worth it and me eager to enjoy those stops and opportunities God has set out just for me.
Ashley Menelaws is in Brisbane Queensland and is married to Miranda. During his free time Ashley can be found writing in various forms or reading an old book.
Ashley Menelaw’s previous articles may be viewed at http://www.pressserviceinternational.org/ashley-menelaws.html
