Ch. 10: The Journey
Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow:
Life is like a wisp of fog! It’s precious! I’ve just discovered this – by reflecting on my own life’s journey. What an awakening-the realization that time on this earth is exquisite. And it waits for no one. How enlightening this discovery has been for me.
Contemplating the experiences of my life’s journey, I’m taken aback by the realization of just how precious time is. It whizzes by!
Indeed, we are reminded in God’s Word the Bible, What do you know about tomorrow? How can you be so sure about your life? It is nothing more than mist that appears for only a little while before it disappears. – James 4: Contemporary English Version.
When I consider further – it doesn’t seem that long ago that I left home for college to study theology. As I remember the farewell to my family, leaving my home, set in the leafy suburbs of England’s second city, I’m still moved by the memory of saying good-by to my mother and my aunt, who stood on the front doorstep at Barton Croft, waving nostalgically to me.
Actually, my aunt had arrived to give my mother some emotional support, yet she appeared more upset at seeing me depart than my mother! Who knows why?
On that day, at the age of twenty-one, I was a mere lad, full of hopes and dreams, excitement and adventure.
Yet since that time, so much has happened, and as I write this chapter, I’m perhaps a little wiser – and more than twice the age I was then!
I’ve encountered many episodes, seen numerous pages turned. And they’re still turning.
Better Not Bitter:
As I reflect upon the times of my life-threatening illnesses, the uncertainties in life, the sadness and bereavement, and my attempt to balance them with the moments of joy and happiness, I could perhaps ask myself, “Can God really bring anything good out of the many crushing defeats in my circumstances?”
“Yes!” is my answer today. And without a doubt it will always be “Yes, Yes, Yes!” The perks far outnumber the hardships and difficulties, especially here and now. And as I continue to travel my life’s course, alongside my beautiful wife, Rachel, I’m even more certain that God is able to fulfil His purpose. Yes, even in and through us! God does extraordinary things through the lives of ordinary people! Amazing!
In spite of all the obstacles, throughout the course of our Christian walk, had Rachel and I been expecting a journey without any hard times, pressures, or problems, then of course we’d be disappointed.
Realistically, both of us are aware that some of the hard times have been necessary to meld us into whom we’ve become. And we give thanks to Him for developing and strengthening us in a manner that brought about the transition of who we are today. And we’re still on that special journey with Him!
Sadly, some of the problems we face in life – are just a painful consequence of living in a fallen world.
Whether one is a Christian or not, each of us, no matter who we are, experience difficulties almost beyond our ability to endure. Quite often we find these painful challenges and problems creating demands that are a great effort to bear and overcome. Just because we’re Christians, doesn’t mean we have freedom from obstacles in life! There’s no such immunity for anyone!
Storms know no boundaries!
Nevertheless, because we are Christians and God is on our side, He enables us to handle those problems with greater ease and grace, even though it might appear tough at the time.
Indeed, life can be very unpredictable and can bring for all of us disappointments, dashed hopes, and broken dreams.
Sorrow, sickness, disloyalties, hard knocks, rejection and feelings of uselessness – to name a few.
There’s a strong possibility we could all find ourselves in a state of agitation or hopelessness at sometime or another.
At times it may seem that we frequently face harsh circumstances, enduring emotional pain – constantly relearning the meaning of those events – and forever full of strong feelings of anxiety or perplexity.
And as a result of such stress, we so often can find ourselves fully submerged in a pity party!
Now listen… To whatever degree we might experience these negative feelings, let us bear in mind that these are often the situations which strengthen our lives – those “in the valley” times, not those on lofty mountain top feelings.
No matter how difficult we might feel things are at times, it will soon become apparent that it’s during those times of unrest and uncertainty that our faith grows the most.
We develop a greater ability to understand life, in general, as well as an insight to understanding other people.
We become discerning – more able to appreciate the things of God – and soon we gain insight to His direction for our own lives and for the lives of others who seek to know Him.
This becomes a challenge. May we, as His children who are searching, become better not bitter!
There is no doubt that many of us are tried in the furnace of human experience. But, thankfully, God provides us with spiritual assistance to help us emerge from these experiences with a deeper presence of Him – a deeper understanding of Him, as well as more insight into our own selves.
And it is with such experiences we become stronger, better prepared, and closer to God.
Thus, we realize our faith has grown, and our renewed trust in Him enables us to proceed as stronger witnesses for Him – and we become more equipped to help others in the process. And what greater joy is there than helping those who seek insight to God and a deeper insight within themselves.
Why We Do What We Do:
So what drives Rachel and me to stay so focused, so compelled to share this message of Christ? It’s knowing first hand the vast dimensions His love and grace can render in the lives of anyone who really seeks Him.
We’re blessed by the privilege of sharing His story so others may have their lives enriched as we’ve had through our experience with Him.
And what a joy and blessing it is to impart His message of love and life to anyone who’s seeking something more than a spiritless, “hum-drum” existence!
Since the launch of the Newday-Prince web pages in August 2005 – Rachel and I have been extremely excited about the great potential of the Internet, not only to share our story & songs twenty four hours a day – but to give an insight of all we believe.
By reaching the world on line, the Internet has become an excellent tool for us to use in sharing the message of Jesus.
Consequently – both of us have been totally amazed by the interest shown in the Newday-Prince story from tens of thousands of individuals in different parts of the globe.
It has been an astonishing journey reaching this point and today we reckon – the best is yet to be.
We don’t know, maybe someday our story can help somebody. It would be a real blessing to know that in someway the experiences we’ve faced, could reach & touch the lives of others.
We’re not stuffed with self-importance; we just want to share what God has done.
For this reason, at the break of dawn when the sun rises, we give thanks to God for a fresh awakening – giving thanks for daily breath, health & strength and the joy which every newday brings.
What a blessing!
And yes – with the time set out before us, we give thanks for every opportunity.
Bible Words:
Indeed, each day we will proclaim the good news that God saves. We will publish His glorious deeds among the nations, and tell everyone about the amazing things He does. – Psalm 96: New Living Translation.