Fields Of Life. Ch.12. 

The Journey: 

  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. 

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 17 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.

 As I reflect upon the times of my life-threatening illnesses, the uncertainties in life, the sadness and bereavement, the ever-present risk of further cancer, 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!

All the same, 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!

But, thank God, He knows what lies around the corner and because He’s all knowing – He helps us to get ready for every circumstance. 

In reality, day after day, we have known God’s back up in every difficult situation and because of this, we know He will be there for us the next time we face a challenge.

Sure-enough, 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.

Really, life can be very unpredictable and can bring for all of us disappointments, dashed hopes, and broken dreams.

In truth, there’s a strong possibility we will 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.

Without any doubt, even though those circumstances may seem unbearable, we have the assurance that our Heavenly Father will intervene. 

What’s more, 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.

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.

 Sure-enough, life is like a wisp of fog! None of us know how long we have. Now is the time to live for Jesus! 

So, 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. 

New Living Translation.

Psalm 96:2-3

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