Most of us are always aiming for something. We set goals, develop strategies or manage resources. The objective frequently remains out of reach and we find inspiration in the idea of holding on to our dreams. Sometimes they’re dreams but more often than not we hold on to things that will never materialize and we wind up being disappointed and heart broken.

 

Oswald Chambers, as quoted by Mark Hall in his book "Life Stories" helps us with an important principle that has been playing out in my mind for a long time.

 

 

"We have the idea that God is leading us toward a particular end or a desired goal, but He is not. The question of whether or nto we arrive at a particular goal is of little importance, and reaching it becomes merely an episode along the way. What we see as only the process of reaching a particular end, God sees as the goal itself…God is not working toward a particular finish - His purpose is the process itself. What He desires for me is that I see ‘Him walking on the sea’ with no shore, no success, nor goal in sight, but simply having the absolute certainty that everything is all right because I see ‘Him walking on the sea’ (Mark 6:49). It is the process, not the outcome, that is glorifying to God."

 

Is it possible that the journey is is in some ways the destination? Before you panic and shout "heresy" understand that I’m not saying heaven is a state of mind instead of a place to come. I will say though I believe it’s both. While I look forward to heaven to come I feel sure that to be in relationship with God now must carry it’s benefits and pleasures. Those are experienced by listening to Chambers idea that the goal needs to be understanding God in the process. Jesus said it best in John 3:16 that those who believe in Him as God’s Messiah already HAVE eternal life. He didn’t say we will GET life …. we HAVE life. We HAVE God’s Kingdom, we’ve reached the finish line. All that’s left to come are the closing ceremonies!

 

Maybe today we should try to live this day as if Chambers is absolutely right. Maybe if we refocus on the idea that God wants us to see and experience Him in the process of our day we’ll use less energy talking about what needs to happen or what we need to do.

 

Have a God-day!

 

Pastor Dale