Understanding Our Journey
One of my favorite movies growing up was, “The Wizard of Oz.” We watched this movie every year without fail. The family would gather around the tube and watch the story unfold with great anticipation as if it were for the first time; it never got old.
As I have grown older, I have reflected back on this childhood memory and recognize how life is much like the journey Dorothy and her friends experienced on the Wizard of Oz. We all are on a journey with some expectation as to what the end result of our journey might be. We meet some friends along the way, who may not be all who they presented themselves to be. There will always be some surprises, not to mention a few flying monkeys and wicked witches that cross our path attempting to stop of from reaching our intended destination. Once we finally arrive, we realize that it wasn’t what we expected, but the end result is that we became better people in the process.
How we expect the journey to unfold is rarely the way the journey unfolds. Life is filled with surprises, detours, set backs and disappointments. From an initial glance we might perceive these alterations as an irritation or hindrance to our intended goal, when in actuality may very well be the means God uses to do a deeper work in our lives. In all my years of ‘following the yellow brick road’ I have discovered some important lessons along the way:
A. The process develops your character
Romans 5:3-5 We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment.
B. The process reveals your weaknesses
James 1:2-4 Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing
C. The process builds dependence on God
Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.
D. The process strengthens your faith
1 Peter 1:6-7 So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine…
E. The process challenges your motives
Deuteronomy 8:2 Remember how the Lord your God led you through the wilderness for these forty years, humbling you and testing you to prove your character, and to find out whether or not you would obey his commands.
F. The process brings you back to reality
Zechariah 13:9 I will bring that group through the fire and make them pure. I will refine them like silver and purify them like gold. They will call on my name, and I will answer them. I will say, ‘These are my people,’ and they will say, ‘The Lord is our God.’ ”
G. The process purges non-essentials
Hebrews 12:10-11 But God’s discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in his holiness. No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.
H. The process reminds you of what is most important
2 Corinthians 4:16-17 That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever!
The next time you face a surprise along the road to your intended destination, be encouraged that God just might be working a great thing in your life.
