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Passage derived from “Journey Of Life Begins”

“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.”(Revelation 1:8 NIV). We failed Him by eating the forbidden fruit and continue to eat the same fruit. These will be hard lessons to learn in life. “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”(Romans 15:13 NKJV).

God created the heavens and the earth with all its beauty and glory—creating man to fellowship and fulfill His purposes. We were made in His likeness—with a mind to think, a heart to love, and a will to make good decisions. Approaching God first during our decision-making and planning will be beneficial in resolving our problems and plans—not after we have tried everything else and failed. God should not be considered as an afterthought. “People could survive their natural troubles all right if it weren’t for the trouble they make for themselves.” Poet Ogden Hash.

Life’s travel will be constant tests, trials, and tribulations. Our attitude toward our difficulties and emergency responses determines which direction life will go—for what life does to us depends on what life finds in us. Bible teacher James Gray said, “Who can mind the journey when the road leads home?”

Without Him, suffering will become standard behavior. Only Jesus can provide internal peace. Life is a journey we make by faith, for only God knows the end from the beginning. Tough times can teach us patience. Sometimes, we become preoccupied with problems when we should be looking for opportunities—rather than worrying about what we can’t do—focusing on negatives—and developing an attitude of expectancy. Instead of complaining about our troubles, see them as opportunities to grow. Complaining seldom solves problems (James 1:2-4). Dr. Charles Stanley says life is one continuous decision-making process from childhood through the golden years. Thankfully, God is willing to guide us clearly about every choice we make—whether it’s major or minor.

If we are going to be wise, we must honor His direction, serving Him instead of ourselves. When facing a tough decision, don’t let the negatives cause us to lose sight of the positives. “Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groaning which cannot be uttered.”(Romans 8:26 NKJV). When you have assurance for the future, you have stability in the present.

What can satisfy our appetite except the love of God? There is peril in prosperity and comfort. The heart is empty without real love and will stay that way until we accept Jesus Christ in our hearts. Love is the foundation of life and is emphasized repeatedly in the Ten Commandments. Our friendship with God deepens, as we reach out to Him, leading to strength of character, peace of mind, and deep satisfaction.

“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered;…”(John 15:5,6 NKJV). Wouldn’t it be wonderful If we could love our neighbor as much as we love ourselves?

He knew us before we were born—travels with us during our earthly journey—as faithful Sovereign—and knows the end. We are blessed with unique, individual talents and skills to complete His purpose—separate and distinct, provided the free will to make our own decisions. “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.”(Ephesians 2:10 NKJV).
Decisions are part of everyday life—as we travel from childbirth through the ages. The character of the home will depend on the spiritual life of the parents. Making wise decisions requires His direction. Often, we decide hastily and selfishly, creating poor and unsuccessful resolutions. “A man’s steps are of the Lord; How then can a man understand his own way?”(Proverbs 20:24 NKJV).

Our journey presents numerous forms of transportation requiring decision-making as an illustration for seeking God’s counsel. These forms will demonstrate how often we may drift from the presence of God in routine life situations: childhood, walking, jogging, vehicles, trains, aircraft, and others. We become fearful and immobile when we focus on the negative aspects of a situation. Focusing on the positive—God’s direction and promises is much better.