Stirring The Pot

A place called “There” (or “Thaire”, as shown on the map) is a special place. But to get there it’s important to believe there really is a place called “There”. Hope. That’s what it’s called. People don’t start or continue their journey if they don’t hope for a destination. Regardless of how bad “Here” is, that’s where they’ll stay if they don’t know about “There”.

But there is a place called “There”. It’s a place in God where He is able to do exceedingly, abundantly above all we ask or even think. Just setting our hopes on “There” can help us walk in the peace of God. You see, He has said “He will keep you in perfect peace, when your mind is established, focused, on Him” (Isaiah 26:3). Also, “don’t be anxious about anything but pray about everything…” (Phil. 4:6). Our thoughts and prayers will help decide the amount of God’s peace we’ll enjoy. It is also the key to beginning the journey.

Just like “he that comes to God must believe that He is…”, so to reach a place called “There” one must believe there is such a place and actively begin the trip.

He is able to get you there, if you’ll think and ask. “There” is worth the trip.

I’ve been thinking about something, something that affects us all.  As a matter of fact, it affects us many times throughout our lives. The Journey. The Journey from Here to There. The Journey from where we are right now to where we should be or would like to be. The Journey will at times be a spiritual journey, a relational journey, an emotional journey, or maybe a physical journey; but a Journey from where we are to where we will be.

Jesus said, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life…” The word “way” indicates a path, or a journey. Other scriptures reveal God’s desire to lead us and be present with us as we travel on our Journey. And why not? Actually, without Him we will never know the right path to take or how to overcome obstacles that we meet as we travel. Obstacles? You bet! But there isn’t any obstacle that can keep us from “there” if we “trust in the Lord with all our heart and lean not to our own understanding; in all our ways we acknowledge Him…”

Speaking of Journey, the Lord has led me to write a series of articles about the “Journey from Here to There”. Every few days or so I’ll add another part to the series. The Lord is speaking several things to my heart which I sincerely believe can help each of us maintain our focus as we are on the path between Here and There. Hope you join me…

By the way, the posted map actually gives you directions from Heere, Germany to Thaire, France. Similarly, God’s Word will give you all the directions necessary to arrive at your destination – There.

 This is my buddy Dukie Marvin, from Hanford, California. He recently went to heaven (yes, dogs go to heaven) and will be greatly missed. I put his picture on this page representing “the power of encouragement” because that’s what Duke was all about; that and taking walks and chasing his orange “duck”. I’ll look for him when I cross to the other side.

Though I wasn’t able to spend much time with Duke (his parents were unable to let him come to Iowa to visit), I thoroughly enjoyed the time we did have together. He had something about him that reminded me of what an encourager should be like. He didn’t demand much, was quick to forgive, and made me feel like I was the most special person on earth.

Yep, he’ll be missed, but his spirit lives on. Good ol’ Mr. Duke.

For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:17-18

Some of the most important times in our lives happen when mountains suddenly appear, blocking us, at least momentarily, from continuing on the path we are plodding. Our focus is redirected. Though our view is changed and all we seem to be able to see is the obstacle looming before us, it is import for us to have the right perspective – to see beyond the obvious – and position our sights on the glorious, the Glorious One.

Earlier this year a huge mountain appeared before me, taunting me and daring me to continue on my present path. It was overwhelming to say the least. But as I stared at the mountain, as if my glare would make it suddenly disappear, I sensed the Lord directing me to take a few steps back, get a different perspective, and see what He could and would do. As I did, I began to see the beauty in the mountain, the obstacle. I began to see the Lord’s lovingkindness as He revealed to me my path isn’t blocked, it is changed. His path is one of abundance, righteousness, and peace. It is life-giving. It is not a dead-end. As I quieted my heart before Him and started walking the new path, a new hope and vision came into view.

Sometimes mountains don’t need to be removed. So enjoy the view as a redirection occurs.