I like to exercise, eat right, and take care of my body. As much as I like it, I find that I am not always motivated to do the healthy things that make me feel good. After all, the world has fried chicken, chocolate cake, loaves of bread, and Netflix to lie around and enjoy!
I have a t-shirt that I sometimes wear while working out that says: THE JOURNEY IS THE DESTINATION. It is a reminder to me that my health is a life choice. It is not one set goal at which I arrive, after which I just sit back, relax, and recline for the rest of my life. As nice as that would be, the fact remains that my health will always be something I strive for, remain conscious of, and that I have to desire.
The life we live is described in the Bible by Paul as a race that we are running so that we can win the crown in Heaven:
I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.
-Philippians 3:14
My destination is Heaven! That makes me so excited! Nothing sounds better than the thought of sitting at the feet of Jesus and praising God forever!
Though we should look forward to this beautiful, wonderful future of our eternal life, there are so many things we can do NOW during our earthly life. Though I may not be in Heaven, I know when I am praising, praying, and seeking God, it can often feel pretty Heavenly. He is near when we seek Him! If we cling tightly to God and we quit letting worthless, earthly idols sneak between our hearts and the heart of God, He will work through us in amazing ways. To take some lyrics from the song “The Father’s House” by Cory Asbury, when we let God work, prodigals come home, the helpless find hope, miracles take place, the cynical find faith, walls are shaken, and love breaks through!
We are the light of the world. People should SEE that we are different from the filth of the world. They should WANT what we have! Holding tightly to God does that for us and helps others to believe in God’s beautiful Grace and Love!
Why doesn’t God work miraculously like He did in the Bible?
I believe He DOES!
The proper questions are: Are we allowing God to work through us as we should? Am I allowing His presence to take over my life, my thoughts, my words, my works? Am I holding tightly to HIM above ALL other things? Am I sharing His Light and Love with others?
I have great moments, but, friends, I am sad to say I often let the world get in the way of my connection with the Father! I do not want this to be so! The beautiful thing is, God knows and understands our weaknesses. In 2 Corinthians chapter 12, the Apostle Paul reveals that even he struggled with a thorn of the flesh. God knows what I have trouble with and what I need to become a stronger believer! He loves me anyway! AND He is willing to work through me!
I urge you: walk closely with Him NOW! It will make the reunion with God so much sweeter in Heaven! AND we can bring more friends to Heaven with us to eternity! Just like a healthy lifestyle, walking closely with Jesus is a conscious, daily choice.
The Journey IS the Destination!
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