Opportunity!

Here we are having journeyed three days into the New Year. A three day journey can be significant. Many miles can be traveled geographically and many moments may be utilized beneficially for ourselves and others. How far have we traveled in accomplishing some things or getting some changes put solidly in place? What kind of opportunities have encounters with others provided? Do we still have a RESOLUTE VIEW TOWARD PRESSING ON?

With journeys there are choices to be made all along the way? Do we continue? Do we back track? Do we change course? Do we keep going? When those opportunities present themselves, we must give serious consideration to what impact our choices will have on the journey and ultimate destination.

After the Hebrew writer referred to Abraham and Sarah, Isaac, and Jacob, he stated…
“(13) These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. (14) For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. (15) If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, THEY WOULD HAVE HAD OPPORTUNITY TO RETURN. (16) But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city.” ( Hebrews 11:13-16 ESV)

As we have begun the journey into a new year, are we looking ahead or is our focus turned toward the past with a longing for those days? Do we have a desire to return to where we used to be? Is there a lifestyle of our past that is trying to draw us back to it? Today we have the opportunity to return to old ways. Is that our choice?

Perhaps we find ourselves feeling content with where we are and see no need to progress along the way? Do we like the way things are right now and are ready to set up camp and stay? Today we have the opportunity to sit and stagnate. Is that what we will choose?

Is our view, instead, marked by a longing for still better things and ultimately the eternal city prepared for us? If we lose sight of the goal we may not feel much compulsion to keep moving on? Today we have the opportunity to continue on the journey. Is that our RESOLUTE choice?

When others stopped following Jesus, He asked the Twelve if they were going to do the same. ( John 6:66-67) They had opportunity, but chose to follow and continued to follow, though one of them would be sidetracked from the journey. ( John 6:70-71) Let us, like Peter, remember Who it is that has the “words of eternal life” and that there is no other to whom we can go to find such. ( John 6:68-69) Walking in Christ we have a better future than anything of which the present or past can be compared. May we maintain a RESOLUTE VIEW TOWARD PRESSING ON in the steps of our Lord. He will safely lead us to the heavenly homeland.

Have a great day FOCUSED TOWARD THE BETTER THINGS IN CHRIST!
Carl

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