I was thinking about Israel and their journey to the Promised Land and how they spent 40 years wandering around the fringes of Palestine before reaching their destination. We could talk about the “whys” of their extended trek; but I want us to make a simple comparison. Ever notice that the journey of our lives involves a lot of wandering? You may feel like you are wandering right now – that your life is just going around in circles in an emotional or spiritual or relational desert right now. When we look at Israel, we could say that wandering was an important part of the plan. God wastes NOTHING! There are no missed opportunities. HE USES EVERYTHING. Mostly, we are completely oblivious to what He is doing. If God is writing your story; then, what is necessary for the journey to be successful? Two years ago, I was blessed to sit under the teaching of Dr. Colleen Derr (President of Wesleyan Seminary) as she spoke about our “story” – the path of our lives and how God involves Himself, personally, in our journey every day. And how, at the end of the day, we can see His involvement reflected in the people, the places and the passages that have made a difference in our success. Here’s what I learned. First: for my journey to be successful – I must surrender to the process. I must understand and accept the fact that I cannot contrive the path or control the path. I can only walk the path. Surrender even to the disappointments and the difficulties – they all play a part in the formation of the character of God in you. Second, embrace the places God brings you to. When we talk about spiritual success, we love that verse from Jeremiah 29:11 don't we? "For I know the plans I have for you…" We cannot create our own context for that verse! Read the entire passage! Do you know what God's promise includes? EXILE! Really? Exile? God was telling Jeremiah that Israel was about to face 70 years of captivity! He is saying, "Jeremiah – you are going into exile – but exile is not the end of the story – it is just part of the story!" Sometimes, we need to settle down in the place or season God brings us into. His promise to Jeremiah was “then.” THEN you will call, and I will hear.” God always unfolds His plan in due time! Finally, keep your eyes on Him. It is so easy to get distracted – to get our eyes off Him. That’s when the devil sneaks into the picture to draw us away from Him. Keep your eyes on Him! Stay focused! He’s got this!
