The Journey.

Thursday, October 14, 2010
They Journey. I hate to kick a dead horse, and I know I mention the “journey of my past 12 months” a lot in these writings, but God has taught me so much in the last year’s time that I can’t help but reference the adventure from time to time. Don’t they say hindsight is 20/20? Well that’s definitely true for my life, as I look back over the past year. God has been up to something all along.
I have to admit – there have been times that, though I haven’t doubted Him, I have doubted my future. There have been low moments when I didn’t think I had a future, to be honest. And if I did have a future, I just didn’t see it containing laughter, smiles, hope, or joy again. I know that sounds a tad bit dramatic, but I’m telling you – there have been legs of this journey that have been tough. Mountains and valleys, victories and defeats – the journey has been an adventure to say the least. But here I am today…
I could make a list a mile long of God’s blessings upon my life that I am thankful for. He has really been so faithful and good. He’s given me back an amazing church family that loves me, no matter what. (That says a lot, too. An unconditional loving church family is, sadly but truly, a rare thing in today’s world it seems.) He’s given me an earthly family that loves me no matter what. My parents are Godly folks, and I’m thankful for that. My sisters have both given me awesome brother in laws, and together they’ve given me the most beautiful little jewels of nieces I could ever ask for. Oh, and then there are the friends. God has put some truly uplifting people into my life as friends, whether they are my age or a few short years older, they are true friends nonetheless.
And a ministry – a ministry that I absolutely love beyond imagination. Student ministry is my passion, and it’s where He’s seen fit to put me again. And to say I “enjoy what I do” would be a great understatement. Never in my life have I been more excited about the future than I am right now, even though there are many important aspects of it that are very much unknown as of yet. But I trust Him, because He is faithful.
But there’s a reason I share this with you today. You may be in one of those valleys right now. The truth of the matter is the valley just isn’t as dark to others as it is to us. Whether it’s dealing with utter betrayal, the pain of loss, a loss of hope, depression, friends turning their backs on you, unstable career issues, or any other turmoil that may be coming at you...I’ve been there at some point in this journey. But there were 6 little words, 2 short phrases, that pulled me through in moments when I didn’t even know the words to pray. In my times of crying out to God when the words just weren’t there, I’d simply say to Him, “I trust You.” And as a reminder to myself that He was in control, the simple words, “God is faithful” would make their way out of my mouth. And when you truly grasp the second phrase, you’ll be able to pray the first one.
Today if you’re hurting, let someone know so they can stand by you through it. I’d love to pray for you, as well. But no matter who you may tell, tell it to Jesus for sure. He already knows what you’re struggling with, but He longs to hear you tell Him anyway. You see, the most amazing part of this journey I’m on is simple: He’s walking it with me in relationship. And never walking alone…well…that’s a pretty amazing reality.

That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Until next time,
Blake

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