Conquering the Journey

If you've ever experienced the loss of a loved one, gone through a devastating battle, or been hit hard by the overwhelming tragedies of life, than you understand that the road you once traveled has forever changed. It can and will throw you so far off the trail of your journey that you cannot see the passage from where you lie.

"I have given up," you might say to yourself. Well you are not alone. There are millions in this world who lose their strength to battle once more, take one more step, speak one more word, or find one more breath. I recently spent several hours on the phone with a dear friend. We can relate to these words because we have said them ourselves.

"Would anyone miss me if I weren't here?" The words pierced my heart. 

I cried too - "Of course! Desperately! It would change our lives forever." My heart ached to speak truth and find the right words.

Why must our journeys be so difficult? Why must life be so hard? Is it because we live in a fallen world? Sin? Rebellion? Hurtful acts done to ourselves or by others? Sometimes our journeys consist of living halfway through our life only to find that we have never lived. I am reminded of the scripture that carried me through so much of my life:

"For these things I have spoken unto you that in me you might have peace - in the world tribulation - but be of good cheer - for I have overcome the world." John 16:33

Or maybe we say it this way:

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”  John 16:33 (NIV)

Maybe a little more down to earth: 

"I've told you all this so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I've conquered the world."  John 16:33 (The Message)

Let's amplify it to get a better picture:

"I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]" John 16:33 (Amplified Bible)

Jesus spoke those words to his disciples. With all of his heart and soul he wanted them to know that if we could only trust him in the midst of our suffering and walk with him we will find peace during those terrible storms; those times of grief and sadness. He cheered us on saying, "Be of good cheer! Take Heart! Be confident! Courageous!" In other words, let those words I just spoke encourage you because I have overcome the world. His death on the cross had purpose and meaning so that we could find purpose and meaning.

We must come to an understanding that God is our biggest cheerleader. He shouts from the heavens, "Do you want to get better!" "Stand up and walk!" "Press onward!" "You can do it!" "I am here!" "Be courageous!" "Do not fear!"

We do not have to walk this journey alone. We can walk it with not our strength but Christ's strength for "in our weakness he is strong." God will pull us up out of whatever has hold of us - as the Psalmist writes: "He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand." (Psalm 40:2)

My friend believe that one day you will find yourself standing on the solid rock, that the burden that weighs you down will be lifted, and you will breathe in life once more. And at just the right moment you will hear, "Go - live your journey." It may not be easy but it will be better than you ever expected.