NEARLY THERE

Close is the vision that comes just before the valley ends. It is the place where we hear that inner voice of reassurance whereby our exhaustion is touched with a desire to keep going.

How many times I have personally found myself at this type of place in my life. When you are vowed in your spirit to keep trusting even when you fail, the travels by faith become a journey that never ends till we are at the point we stand before the lord.

I still remember long ago one bible teacher pointing out how the life of faith was one where the longer you trusted God the greater the challenges you will face as testing of your faith. I wasn't sure I actually believed that at one time, but the longer I live I have to admit that more true I have come to appreciate it really is.

Now to the world that only translates life by rewards, they will probably never understand how the valleys that one goes through the longer you live as a follower of Christ really do serve a higher purpose. And sadly there are Christians who seem to see life the same way.

In reality I think it comes down to those who want to avoid pain, which is an understandable desire. And thus in the process they bring themselves to a point where they gravitate to the prosperity doctrines. Those that promise you can have your heaven on earth if you just trust God enough.

The reality to me is every life is different. And the Lord to me has the right to deal with each of us as he feels is correct. That includes such things as testing our faith in ways that will not always make us look impressive to others.

Perhaps that is part of why some people when brought to that nearly there place love to treat the journey as complete. The journey may not actually be finished just because you can see the end of the valley. Nor does it mean that you will know for sure where the journey will end either.

God still has the right to alter the path if he desires. We can reach the end of one valley and immediately end up in another valley. Not all the time, thank the Lord, but sometimes.

Nearly there to me is a blessing that allows me to catch my breath. It is a moment of touching that graces with a special joy. It tells me quietly that I have at least been on the right path.

None of which will matter to those who haven't had to take such a journey. They will in some cases offer up all kinds of reasons for why you deserve the path you are forced to follow. Guilt always figures in there somewhere. Which is almost a major hint that the spirit of God is not the one inspiring their behavior. But regardless of those who discourage, we have the joy of having the Lord grant us strength to keep plotting along in faith.