Staying the Course

It rained heavily that afternoon. CT and I needed to make a short stop just before getting into the town center. After making our delivery, we decided to take an alternate route to avoid the heavy traffic in the town center. We started on our adventure, thinking that we could find our way without assistance. We quickly recognized that we were on a route that did not seem familiar to either of us, and we did not have the help of a GPS.

We stopped on the side of the road for a moment and quickly made a call to ask for directions. Having received the information, we continued on our way.

We drove much farther than we anticipated.

At this point, we began to question our choice to drive this route, and the unfamiliarity generated some fear in us. CT, the driver who was my co-adventurer, asked me if I thought we should turn back and go the original route that would take us into the town center. I thought for a moment and then said, “Let’s turn back.” CT then asked a question that had a potent message: “What if we are close to the exit and turn back now?” I paused for a moment and then replied, “That’s true.” We continued on. Shortly after, I spotted a familiar landmark and realized that we were about two minutes from the exit. Wow! Imagine if we had turned back! We both laughed, and we still smile each time we pass that exit and remember our adventure.

After getting home that day, I reflected on the profound question that CT asked. It reminded me that we are on a journey, and sometimes we feel like giving up.

We feel defeated, fatigued, and depleted. The reality of the promise of Christ’s return is taking longer than we anticipated. In reality, however, we are close to our eternal home, and we cannot give up now. In these last days, we must press on! Jesus has promised to return for us, and His promise is sure! He has also promised to be with us until the very end (see Matthew 28:20). Amen!

Simone E. Johnson