Steady, Focus and Destination

One early morning as I finish my daily exercise routine at the track. I headed back home and from a distance, I saw something crossing in the road. As I got closer, I noticed it was a small turtle. I immediately stopped the car because I did not want to run over it. So I waited until the little turtle crossed the street. I was glad there was no oncoming traffic because I did not want the poor little turtle to be in danger.

The small turtle continued to cross the street and did I mention it was moving really slow. I said to myself, wow, that turtle was strolling with no care in the world. It did not worry who had to wait, while it took its time crossing the road. I was amazed by how it was able to reach the other side, safe and sound. Let's call the other side, "destination."

Well, as I was sharing with my family the

experience from the morning, a thought came to mind, "It does not matter how slow things may seem currently in our lives, nevertheless the ultimate goal should be to remain focus while reaching our destination."

In the book of Philippians 13 - 14 Paul states, "No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us." (New Living Translation)

The goal was and continues to be to finish the race.

Paul is encouraging the Church in Philippi to remain focus on their Christian walk and to press through no matter what may come their way. There was a race before them and a heavenly prize for those who finish the race. The goal was and continues to be to finish the race. The Church will be safe and sound in the arms of a loving God and through Jesus Christ's perfect work. We should remain steady in our Christian walk and focus on reaching our destination.

Comfort Zone

Enjoying the journey will make it easier to

endure the difficulties and uncertainties that come when not being able to see where you are heading. I had the privilege to go on a mission trip to Spain. I prepared myself with the necessary documents, insurances, and with the agenda that provided the places that I would be visiting (Spain, Morocco, and a United Kingdom providence).

I thought having all the information up front would make the transition easier because it was my first time visiting these countries. I knew I was leaving a place of familiarity, also known as "MY COMFORT ZONE." The dictionary defines a comfort zone as a place or situation where one feels safe or at ease and without stress. Let's make this clear; I love my comfort zone. Even though, I knew it was going to be a learning experience. I once read an article written by Nikki Martinez stating, “Whenever you feel uncomfortable, instead of retreating back into your old comfort zone, pat yourself on the back and say, “I must be growing” and continue moving forward” (50 Best Comfort Zone, nd).

As I strolled through the streets in Spain, I felt at ease. I was admiring the architecture of the buildings, roads, and museums, and thought to myself, "WOW, this is so amazing." There was so much richness in history and beauty. I was so grateful to be able to experience that in person, and it will be cherished forever. It was also exciting because I had just finished teaching a course in the Spanish Eastern School of Theology (SEST) on The Story of Christianity.

I knew I was leaving a place of familiarity, also known as "MY COMFORT ZONE."

The author, Justo L. Gonzalez, stated that from the beginning of the Church, they had challenges that they endure, but they also experience victories. He also noted the Church has evolved throughout the centuries. They have gone through a lot of hardship and tribulation. God, many time does not allow the Church to be in a place of comfort because the only way to grow is through painful and testing moments.

From the moment I accepted Jesus Christ in my heart, the process began. I have been in seasons where I have encountered challenging moments, but in those times, I learned how to trust in God and in return, noticed the growth in my spiritual walk. Though there were moments I did not understand, deep down inside, I knew I would be an overcomer. (John 16:33 ESV) I have learned that God will remove us out of our comfort zone because His desire is for us to mature and grow in our Christian Walk.

Reference:

https://everydaypower.com/comfort-zone-quotes/

From A Distance​​​

Many times we may find ourselves watching our loved ones, friends and people in general from a distance wondering "Do they see me?" As human beings, we tend to ask questions such as: how they view or see us when in fact those questions could only be answered by the person in question. Speculation can be a horrible thing to do especially if we are experiencing trials, adversity, grief or just everyday life. Let's define speculation according to the Webster dictionary, the word means to take to be true on the basis of insufficient evidence.

Micheal Kelly wrote an article on We Need Revelation, not Speculation stating that revelation brings accountability. As humans beings, we do not want to render accountability for our actions or behaviors so, we rather speculate. He goes on to say "God says to us, the people of speculation, to turn our eyes to what has been revealed. Everything exposed by the light is made visible, for what makes everything visible is light. Therefore it is said: Get up, sleeper, and rise up from the dead, and Christ will shine on you (Eph. 5:13-14)." (2017)

I am pretty sure Jesus looks at us when we distance ourselves from Him as He watches from a distance. But truth be told, He will not speculate. He knows what can push His church away from Him, and so do we. Many times it is indifference, familiarity, complacency or sin. If we allow these life struggles to drive us away from people or God we are harming ourselves.

James 4:8 states, "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded." Life will bring challenges to us, but we have to keep in the center of our mind and heart that we can come to Jesus with a sincere and repentant heart and ask for forgiveness, He will forgive us. Our prayers should always be to ask the Holy Spirit to help us remember that Jesus is our fountain. So no more looking from a distance because we were called by God to sit in the heavenly places with Christ Jesus. (Ephesians 2:6, NIV)

References:

http://michaelkelley.co/2017/06/we-need-revelation-not-speculation/