Appreciating the Journey

When do you realize that the struggles or trials you have been through are worth it? At what point does all of the gross stuff make sense? Do we have to wait a certain period of time? Does it happen when we finally get to the other side? How do you know when you’ve made it?

At the moment, I’m currently in one of those phases where I am full of questions about what is going on in my life. I feel like I have tried to listen to God’s guidance as I make decisions. I know I’m not perfect and I don’t listen to Him all the time, but I really do try. So then why isn’t this road easy? Why does it have to be so hard?

Today I was thinking about how the Israelites must have felt after God led them out of Egypt. They get a lot or ridicule about their bad attitude once they got into the desert. The most famous story is when they complained about not having meat in the desert. They even wished that they could be back in Egypt because supposedly life was better there! It sounds insane to us! How could they legitimately wish they could be back in slavery?!

But then I thought about it a different way. The Israelites had been in slavery until this guy Moses came and said he was going to lead them to the Promised Land. Then they saw God do all of these signs and wonders. And then He led them right into the desert. I bet on some level they were expecting God to just take them across this magical river that would lead right into the Promised Land. They had put this hope and expectation into this deliverance. Because if they followed God, surely He would lead them on the most direct route to where He had promised to take them.

Many times it seems like we view God as like a scratch off lottery ticket. When things get desperate, we call out to Him. Maybe go to church more, pray more, anything that we think will help. We expect God to give us exactly the direct answers we need. That instant gratification. Then when He gives it to us, we put Him away until we need Him again. Then when we get into that place again, we buy into God… until He gives us what He wants. Then we move on.

What if God wants us to appreciate the journey just as much as where He is leading us? When we are in the midst of the journey is when we need Him the most. We need His guidance and direction. We need His peace and wisdom. It leads us to keep seeking Him in prayer. It grows us as it grows our faith in Him. Faith that He knows the right way. Faith that He knows exactly where He is taking us.

Trust me, these words are things that I am trying to teach myself. I know all the right Christian phases. I know all the catchy sayings that are on everything at Hobby Lobby. I’m trying to believe all of those sayings because I know they are true. I’m trying to release control over my life and follow God fully. I’m trying to appreciate the journey. Because I know once I get to the other side, I am going to have a full on Hallelujah dance party! I’ll be happy to take RSVPs if you want to join me when that day comes J