THE ROAD WE TRAVEL

 By Samuel Matthews 
​“Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah” (Psalm 68:19). KJV
Loved ones, it has been observed that the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. With each mile behind us there remains less ahead and the shortened distance to our destination should motivate us to press on.
Abraham is said to have “Looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God” (Hebrew 11:10). Like Abraham, those men and women of faith listed in Hebrews chapter eleven “all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth” (Hebrews 11:13).
You and I are traveling the same road as our ancient predecessors. Our journey is not measured in miles, but it does demand maturity on the part of those who would successfully complete the trip. Here are some things to keep in mind.
First, don’t get distracted. Jesus warns: “13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14 because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it” (Matthew 7:13-14). It is unfortunate that the devil has successfully “blinded the eyes of the unbelieving” (2 Corinthians 4:3-4), so much so that the masses are not even aware of the existence of the inevitable destination to which they are travelling (Revelation 20:12-15; 21:8).
There are many distractions used by the enemy to hindered us on my journey, perhaps even keeping us from our destination. There are many precious souls who are kept from reaching their spiritual destination because they are allowing Satan to deter them from the truly important. Some have taken a “side road” and entered the broad way to enjoy some pleasure for the moment. The “lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life” (1 John 2:15-17) distracted them along the way and they ended up pursuing things temporal rather than things eternal.
Second, don’t get discouraged. There are obstacles along the road to our heavenly home that, if permitted, could discourage us in the journey. TO NAME A FEW: 1. Sexual sins, especially lust. 2. Unforgiving hearts. 3. Telling lies. 4. Pride. 5. Causing divisions. 6. Covetousness. 7. Not contributing towards God’s work on earth. 8. Drunkenness. 9. Envy. 10. Jealousy. 11. Not honoring Sundays. 12. Evil imaginations. 13. Fear. 14. Worry. 15. Hatred. 16. Anger and Murder. 17. Not reading the Bible. 18. A prayer-less life.
There are unforeseen circumstances that come along that would defeat us. The fact that we must struggle with ourselves (Galatians 5:16-17), may very well be the greatest obstacle we encounter along the way. Then there are people who discourage us. They may not do it intentionally, but an unkind word or a failure to uphold our hands in the work we are doing are things that often discourage us. When we do not see the fruits of our labors immediately, we tend to get discouraged in the work, often giving up in despair.
If you find yourself discouraged along the journey, take your Bible, and read again those words from the Holy Spirit penned by the hand of Paul: “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58).
Again, “9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. 10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith” (Galatians 6:9).
Third, let us be determined. One of our first United States presidents is credited with having said, “When we see ourselves in a situation which must be endured and gone through, it is best to make up our minds to it, meet it with firmness and accommodate everything to it in the best way practicable. This lessens the evil, while fretting and fuming only serves to increase your own torments.”
Determination goes by various names: perseverance, persistence, tenacity, resolve, stick-to-itiveness. It means keeping one’s eye fixed steadfastly on a goal, and not stopping, no matter the discouragements, difficulties, or the obstacles, until that goal is achieved. Here, then, are three important keys to beginning, enduring, and completing our journey to heaven… don’t be distracted, don’t get discouraged, and be determined.
The history of mankind is marked by a long list of nameless men and women who began the journey, who faced calamity and hardship, only to give up. In the words of the Psalmist, they “turned back” (Psalm 78:9). Christians must take the journey one step (one day) at a time (Matthew 6:24). Never forget that your sins have been forgiven (2 Peter 1:9). Never lose your love for heaven (Colossians 3:1-4).
The benefits of determination and the reward for successfully completing the journey far outweigh the alternative (Revelation 2:10; 14:13; 22:14-15). REMEMBER: With each passing day behind us there remains one less day ahead of us, and the shortened distance to our destination should motivate us to press on. To the God of heaven be the Glory as His Will is done (1 Corinthians 10:31). Please pray for wisdom, for me and my wife, Cynthia, and the Liberty NW church of Christ meeting in Portland, Oregon, USA. We are praying for you, and we love you all so much. Samuel.