Much has been said about life being a journey
But it is also said that the shortest distance between two points is
A straight line.
These two maxims, however, do not always easily blend.
Especially if you were part of the Exodus. (Numbers 32 v 13)
Or even a Christian in today's world.
We often want to measure success on our journey
Which means we use units of measurement
Like hours or years or exam results or promotions or bonuses.
But these do not define us
And are only a shadow of the real journey.
Between Anchorage, Alaska's largest city and the southern smaller city of Kenai, the journey is 45 miles.
By air.
The road journey is 165 miles, but you get to see incredible detail along the way.
There are ups and downs, twists and turns and at times it can be dangerous.
And In every season, it is different.
The apostle writes that it is ..'God who tests our hearts' (1 Thess 2v4)
Having been through some twists and turns of his own,
He sees the journey's goal for himself (v 10 ? 12)
And for others (3 v 13)
Ultimately, the twists, turns, and the unexpected
When combined with faith
Can produce fruit in us
When things don't exactly seem successful or straightforward
We should always let Him have his way
Because there may be something deeper going on.
And He can always be trusted with our hearts (5 v 24)