Joy in the Journey Final

Well, glory!

I’d like to say ‘I got the vict’ry’ this morning at church. What I got was a big ‘ol reality check. Therefore there will be no more blogs about my wilderness journey. Except this one.

The sermon – excellent as always – was on Daniel’s journey. Pastor Brian covered Daniel’s journey from his capture in Israel and indoctrination into Babylonian culture, through Daniel’s abilities to become an exceptional leader, to his lion’s den experience, and finally the happy ending. Each stage of Daniel’s journey was a challenge to be persistent in serving God, do one’s best, and consistently do what is right.

Daniel bloomed where he was planted.

That didn’t mean his journey was easy. Even though he was doing the right things before God, he was still abused verbally and horribly mistreated.

Makes my journey look like a piece of cake.

The bad news was delivered right at the beginning of the sermon and emphasized throughout. Some wilderness experiences never end. Daniel was in Babylon for the duration of his life. Bless his heart.

(Though I read somewhere that Babylon at that time was a magnificent city.)

So back to my point.

I am accepting my fate. I am determined to be (rather-become) a sweet, godly, old lady aging gracefully at an old people’s place until I leap enthusiastically into my eternal home. I’ve probably said this before. Ronald says I’ll probably be rearranging the furniture in my heavenly mansion as regularly as I do here. And thinking of ways to remodel. Sigh.

Here’s some scripture to think on.

Romans 5:1-5 The Message  ‘By entering through faith into what God has always wanted to do for us – set us right with Him, make us fit for Him – we have it all together with God because of our Master Jesus. And that’s not all; We throw open our doors to God and discover at the same moment that He has already thrown open His door to us. We find ourselves standing where we always hoped we might stand – out in the wide open spaces of God’s grace and glory, standing tall and shouting our praise. There’s more to come. We continue to shout our praise even when we’re hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. In alert expectancy such as this, we’re never left feeling shortchanged. Quite the contrary – we can’t round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit!’

May we all be blessed in our journey through this life and gratefully anticipate the eternal life Jesus has provided by His sacrifice.

Blessings

Kara Beth