Therefore, let the one who thinks he stands firm [immune to temptation, being overconfident and self-righteous] take care that he does not fall [into sin and condemnation]. 1 Corinthians 10:12 AMP
No Farther Forward
"I'm no farther forward, just farther along." Bebo Norman
That is a line from the song "Where the angels sleep".
Curious line.
I was sitting in an AA meeting one day (not a misprint) and thinking about my journey.
I knew Christ well. I had been in ministry for years.
I asked our Father, "How did I get here?"
"What do You have in mind for me and others?"
Please show me, Lord. So, He did.
He showed me an aerial view of a winding dirt road lined with ditches. Trees set a border along the ditches, and the forest was deep. Several paths would lead like tributaries into the winding dirt road. From time to time, different people joined me on my journey.
They had not been walking as long and had yet to experience what I had encountered.
Those things included mistakes, relationships, diverse circumstances, choices, and encounters with God.
Walking beside these people, the following became clear:
No matter where you are on your journey, you are always 6 feet from the ditch.
So, keep your eyes up and forward.
You may have walked further but are never ahead of any believer.
Your journey should always benefit them.
Some quit walking, some change course, some take detours, and some find others to walk with.
We walk together because we are made for community.
We are created by relationship for relationship.
The earth is round, so we cannot see too far ahead.
Just keep walking.
Where are you on your journey?
Who is God pairing you with now?
What have you collected along the way to share with others?
Lord, may we trust You. May we trust Your story. May we believe that You are our faith's Author and Finisher, not us. May we delight in our journey with You. Amen