We hear so much about how important the journey or the process is these days. But my thoughts are that the destination is much more important. If our journey is good and we have seen the sights, and appreciated the beauty around us, but we have ended up in a ditch or a swamp, what good is that? To be sure, one could learn from these experiences and find the value in them, and prepare so that they might not end up in such a malady the next time. The same is true in a spiritual sense, we can learn much, develop good character, become very successful in this life, and yet without developing an intimate relationship with Jesus, what would it profit us?

“As it is said,
“For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?”” Matthew 16:26.

One would think that if we learned much from our experiences in this life, that if we had developed healthy and loving relationships, and even given our possessions to the poor, that our life would be full and complete. But even with all these things that are experienced and seen, one’s life can still be empty and incomplete.

As the preacher says in Ecclesiastes 9:11,

“I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all.”

One can have many experiences in this life. Their journey may be filled with deep sorrow and ecstasy. But will one’s experiences draw them into deep communion with God or would one just seek out new and unusual experiences just for the sake of experience alone?

I was talking with my wife about some of these same things in reference to the process or journey, learned in creating art. One of her instructors was always telling her that it’s the journey that’s important. My response to her was that while this is true; that learning new techniques, and using different materials would be a good thing, but if the final project is sloppy or unattractive, has the process served one well?

So in closing, learn from the journeys in this life, but apply them to your ultimate destination.

Selah,
~ Stephen Hanson

Stephen Hanson of In His Truth Ministries came to the LORD is a special way in 1975 and has prophesied regularly since. In these end-time birthing pangs we are reminded that judgment must first begin with the household of God. Will we be prepared and ready?

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