It has been said, “God promises a safe landing, but not a calm passage.” [source: “1600 Squibs And Quips” #1490, compiled by E. C. McKenzie] And yes, how varied is life’s journey. However, are we keeping the Divine Destination in mind?
Jesus made it clear to His disciples that in this world they would have tribulation. (John 16:33) In his second letter to Christians at Corinth, Paul enumerated trials he experienced in his Christian walk as he proclaimed the Gospel of Jesus. (2 Corinthians 11:23-28) And Peter urged his readers to not be surprised by the things they were enduring. (1 Peter 4:12) Though there are storms to be weathered, in Christ we are to trust in our ultimate arrival of our Divine Destination.
Despite the challenges Paul went through, as he sensed the end of his ministry nearing, he wrote with faith. . .
“(16) At my first defense no one came to stand by me, but all deserted me. May it not be charged against them! (17) But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion’s mouth. (18) The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.” (2 Timothy 4:16-18 ESV)
Paul’s focus was not on release from what he was presently experiencing, but on the Lord’s assurance of bringing him safely into the eternal heavenly kingdom. With that trust, as a prisoner in Rome, we wrote to Christians at Philippi. . .
“(19) for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance, (20) as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. (21) For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:19-21 ESV)
Paul’s focus remained centered in Christ and the eternal hope that was through Him. Therefore, regardless of what he faced, his resolve was to honor Christ through it as he acknowledged the gain even in death.
Rather than fixing our focus on the storms, let us continue looking to the One Who will bring us through them to where our hope is securely anchored. (note Hebrews 6:19-20) May we seek God’s strength to weather life’s varied challenges as we trust Him to safely bring us to the Divine Destination Jesus went to prepare!
Have a great day TRUSTING THE ONE WHO IS LEADING US HOME!
Carl
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