6. There was always a map

Journeys > 6. There was always a map

I’ve often wondered what it must feel like when climbers, attempting the summit of Everest, finally see the majestic mountain and the foreboding of its presence standing in view. Do all the years of diligent research, preparation, anticipation and practice ever equip them for the moment when the magnitude of what they are about to encounter looms mightily before them?

Today I feel thankful. In fact I feel so thankful, that all I’ve wanted to do all day long is sing. So that’s exactly what I’ve done. Thank goodness our neighbours are away just now and I’ve had nothing but the woodpecker to keep me company. When I’m like this, I find I can’t stop. Gratitude turns to praise; praise turns to wonder; wonder turns to worship.

It’s not so long since we lived in the backside of no-where, a one hundred mile round trip away from the nearest hospital. Friends, neighbours, family and church were all (literally) miles and miles away. Yet here we are now, living in the perfect place, with the perfect support and the perfect balance to walk this out personally, practically and spiritually. Things have changed a lot over the past year or so. In perfect time.

What’s made all that possible? Perfect salvation. I’m so grateful for God's love and His mercy. That in His grace He has put everything in its place. Is there any wonder my heart is so thankful?

As I look at the faces of the people in our lives and as I think of the position we are in, all I can do is wonder at God’s kindness. He knew what we would need – and not one element is missing.

The words of one of my favourite songs, captures everything I am held by in this moment - check it out here:  www.youtube.com/watch?v=uRV-DgENYKI.

As I reflect on all the trials and challenges we’ve encountered over the years, I can see the fingerprints of God’s mighty power. I am so grateful for those tribulations and tests. Whilst not always creating them, God used each and every experience to reveal His love, His nurturing hand and His grace. With every bridge we crossed He trained, moulded, challenged, stretched and developed us for more and more. Through all of that history, God has prepared us for this. In every one of life’s circumstances up to this point, He has been laying the foundations. He knew the route we needed to take and He knew where we would need to be practically and spiritually. So we are equipped to walk through this His way – we conquer.

‘His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness’

2 Peter 1:3 NIV