Reflecting on a conversation with a brother in Christ, the underlying and shared realization is the perspective of a journey traveled. On one side, there is the revelation of a changed perspective on what makes something good, awesome, or, in my words, excellent. On the other side is the realization of expected results.
It's incredible how we hold so many ideas about what our journey on this road called life should include. More importantly, there's the idea of what a successful journey entails. For many, the journey is simply a means to an end. If I can just get through it, then all shall be fine. The win is surviving and reaching the end because that is where the true prize lies. Today, I challenge you to find and appreciate the prize along the journey.
Initially, we focus on the outcome, yet we fail to realize that we cannot actually see the end. It’s what we imagine in our minds the end will be, what it will look like, and how we might bask in it. Therefore, at the outset, our vision is obscured and only becomes clearer as we travel along the path.
Clarity
As you progress along your path, things start to clarify, though not in the way we expected. Instead of concentrating on the end, you come to understand that there are treasures to collect along the journey. These will serve as gifts and tools for when you reach your destination. These tools become your most valued possessions, as they are crafted to prepare you to receive and honor what awaits you at the end. The joy of discovering these treasures is a thrilling part of the journey.
This is your opportunity to be better equipped to handle what lies ahead. Therefore, it is essential to commit ourselves to the journey rather than merely seeing it as a means to an end. This commitment empowers you, making you stronger and more determined to face the challenges that come your way.
In the journey to new beginnings, I talked about not despising small beginnings and learning to never take them for granted. In the context of our faith journey, these ‘small beginnings’ could be the first steps we take in committing to our faith, the initial challenges we overcome, or the early signs of growth we experience. Every step along this journey is as important as the first step you took to start. The key here is ensuring you stay committed. While each step may seem more challenging to take than the last, the important thing is that you still take it. It may feel like things would be better if you stop or give up, but if you took the first step in faith, then you surely can keep taking more.
Why are these steps harder along this journey? Because each step is not only a way to reach the end, but they are the keys to your growth as you become more prepared and equipped to handle the promise properly. Even through a treacherous journey where you experience all that is good, bad, right, and wrong, you must realize the level of growth you are experiencing.
Therefore, stay committed to the continued growth, for this is one of the greatest gifts you can receive and embrace.
Discovery
Can you stand and face those who were once there with and for you, realizing that now you must part ways, as this is where the journey you traveled together must end? Can you stand alone when necessary because you know God is guiding you along a new path meant for you and you alone? How will you handle criticism about how and why you are moving as you are? How will you see the beauty in what God is doing when others see it differently? Will you have the maturity to see God’s success story revealed when others despise it based on a humanistic perspective of success? God’s success story is not about worldly achievements or recognition, but about the transformation and growth that comes from walking in faith. It’s about the peace, joy, and fulfillment that can only come from aligning our lives with His will.
Change
When your time comes to complete this leg of your journey, you will have a greater perspective and appreciation for not only the journey but also the promise awaiting you at the end. This echoes the sentiment found in Ecclesiastes 3:1, which states, “To everything, there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.” Each phase of your journey has its purpose, shaping you for the next steps ahead.
Now, further separated from humanistic views, your eyes are open to the masterpiece created by God and God alone. Just as Psalm 139:14 reminds us, “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” You begin to see the divine artistry not only in yourself but also in the world around you.
Remember, art is subjective. What is appreciated by one may not be appreciated by others. To appreciate a masterpiece takes someone whose palate has been refined to understand the depth of beauty, including the intricacies and dedication it must have taken to create such a piece. This concept mirrors 1 Corinthians 2:9, which says, “However, as it is written: ‘What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived’—the things God has prepared for those who love him.” Our understanding is often limited, but God’s masterpieces transcend our comprehension.
A refined palate allows the viewer not only to appreciate the outcome but also see or envision what it must have taken to create such a piece, or even understand what the creator may have been experiencing while completing it. Just as in Romans 1:20, where it states that “since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen,” we can connect with the mind and heart of the creator through the wonders of creation.
One can connect with the mind and heart of the creator to understand what may have inspired such a piece and how or why it resonates with others, potentially changing their lives. This connection is beautifully illustrated in 2 Corinthians 5:17, where we learn that “if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” Through transformation and appreciation of God’s artistry, we can impact lives.
This is the end of the journey. And your connection and vision are greater aligned with your creator as you embrace the beauty of both the journey as well as what you will see at the end and why it was there for you. As you reflect on the journey, Philippians 1:6 offers reassurance: “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Trust in the process and the promise, knowing that everything has been beautifully orchestrated for your growth and fulfillment.
Now, go! Take your steps along your journey with eyes of faith, committing to continued growth that deepens your connection and relationship with God.
Share your special moments. I can’t wait to hear from you.
