Thursday, January 9, 2014

Perspective for when the journey is hard

(photo credit: beingtim.files.wordpress.com)

"All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation, and we have a priceless inheritance—an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay. And through your faith, God is protecting you by his power until you receive this salvation, which is ready to be revealed on the last day for all to see. So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while." (1 Peter 1:3-6, New Living Translation)

Are you in the middle of a difficult time right now? Are you misunderstood? Are you being unfairly criticized? Do you even have someone who is actively working against you?

Let these verses from Peter remind you that "there is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while."

Count Nicholas von Zinzendorf (1700-1760) was a wealthy German who was widely criticized for his missionary endeavors. He wrote these words:

Jesus, lead Thou on
Till our rest is won;
And although the way be cheerless,
We will follow calm and fearless
Guide us by Thy hand
To our fatherland

If the way be drear,
If the foe be near,
Let not faithless fears o'ertake us;
Let not faith and hope forsake us;
For through many a woe
To our home we go


QUESTION: What will you do today to focus on where you are headed rather than on the struggles of the journey?


Leave a comment below.  I'd love to hear your thoughts.

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