Are we nearly there yet?

 

Where is "there"?

 

Often we're so concerned about arriving that we forget that God is more interested in how we approach the destination than whether we actually fulfil all the goals we set ourselves.

 

I want to be successful. I want to be loved. I want to be attractive. I want to be rich/fulfilled/famous/accepted.

 

What does God want from us?

 

He wants obedience. He wants a humble and contrite heart. He wants us to live according to his standards, not the expectations of the world. 

 

He doesn't want outward compliance, religious rituals, fasting, "right talk".

 

He wants our hearts. He wants who we are because he knows who we could be.

He's ready to help us if we ask.

“Are we nearly there yet?” No parent who's taken their children on a journey will fail to recognise that question. 

“When I’m there things will be different. I’ll be more confident/successful/liked. When I’m there my life will be more fulfilled. I’ll be a better person when I’m there.” 

No person who's ever been dissatisfied with the way their life is turning out will fail to recognise those statements.

We’re so eager to get there that often we don't care how we do it or how many lessons we miss on our relentless pursuit of the journey's end.

Running away from our issues doesn't work. We may escape them for a while in a new environment but they will catch us up. The only way to be free is to face them head on, preferably with the help of Jesus who doesn't say he'll help us escape from our actions but promises that he'll be with us as we face their consequences. Facing up to difficulties alone is daunting. Facing them with a friend, "lowly and meek, yet all powerful", makes a huge difference.

Are we nearly there yet?

The experiences and restrictions of the past year have drastically changed the background to that question for many. What was once thought reliable has proven to be ephemeral. The only thing that hasn't changed is Jesus and his promises. "I will be with you always", through everything life can throw at you and even into the world beyond.

Don't worry about the things in life that change so easily. Trust in Jesus. "Are we nearly there yet?" takes on a whole new dimension when you're asking the Son of God.

Where is "there"?

"There" is God.