The Journey

What would it mean for you to "finish well?" When you accepted Christ you began a journey of faith. It's a rather long journey that can be arduous at times. It can also bring great moments of joy along the way too. A lot happens over a lifetime of following Jesus. Think of a road trip in your dream car. It's fun to be inside, hearing the engine rev and feeling the torque while cornering. A car can travel a few hundred miles before it needs to be refueled, along with the oil checked and windshield washed. The short stops at gas stations are a necessity for the drive. For it you drive far enough with out refueling, eventually the car will stop and coast over to the side of the road. If you drive long enough, you will see people who need assistance. More than once I've offered help and have been helped when stranded. Following Jesus is a lot like the road trip. Reading the Word and praying are necessary to keep us going, as is attending a worship service with others who are on the same road trip. Being willing to serve and help others is important too. If one neglects reading the Word and praying, yes they can drive for some distance, but eventually they will break down and be stranded on the side of the road. If one neglects times of worship with fellow travelers, they too will eventually be on the side of the road too. If one keeps to himself and doesn't help people along the way, they will miss out on making new friends as well as having the satisfaction of getting someone started again on their journey. Fortunately, our Lord is a Master Mechanic and if we call upon Him, He is more than willing to get us up and running again. But He also gently reminds us that we need regular check ups and fuel if we are to go the distance. He's given us all we need: a Manufacturers Instruction Manual complete with troubleshooting and preventative maintenance chapters. He's given us help lines to call. He's placed people around us who have had the same kinds of trouble and who are more than willing to come to our aid. There is a support group that meets weekly too. All so that we can finish the journey that we began when we accepted Jesus into our hearts. My hope is to keep driving, enjoying the Master and helping others to either continue the journey or to begin one. At the end of life, when the journey is over, and I stand in my Savior's presence, I hope to hear, "Well done, My good and faithful servant." What is it that you hope to do along the way and hear at your journey's end? Have a great trip. Pastor Pete