We've Passed Here Before

*author's note: My sincerest apologies you are readying this so late in the day. I had it written on my phone this morning, apparently touched the wrong part of the screen and it didn't save. This is my best attempt to rewrite, what you should have been ready, roughly 13 hours ago, now.  Thanks.

I experienced, yet again, some of the frustration that must have been felt by the nation of Israel.  It's hard to comprehend wandering around in the dessert for 40 years. I felt as though I too was wandering yesterday, despite not being lost. It was just how the day was arranged... by someone other than me.

Not everything makes sense and sometimes stuff is just not laid out the right way, what seems the right way, what may even be a better way. There's a reason someone coined the phrase, "all over the map". Mentally, that's exactly what I was drawing.

There's only so many places you can go. Only so many ways to get there. Of course, it's the dessert, but still. There's obstacles and landmarks. Nothing is a direct route. We've passed this place three times. We've been by here twice, now. It looks like this intersecting we will be approaching a third time. And look, weren't we just there a little while ago, as well?

[Makes you wonder if birds every take the scenic route. Of course, if the vultures start circling, you know you're in trouble. Sorry if that's a bit profound... I've had a couple such moments today, (in all humility).]

For all the joy, sadness, frustration, bitterness, laughs and tears, life remains a journey, not a destination. And for all the people in life and drivers on the road who insist on getting in front of you, whatever room they think exists for them to do so, we have to remain focused on Him who bids us to come to Him. And be ready for the lessons and moments along the way, even if it means revisiting them. More than once. Often twice. Sometime, hopefully rarely, thrice.

Pray, this #missionsFriday, for missionaries struggling with the way and ways things are happening and circumstances unfolding. Pray for strength to maintain the course and keep the faith. May the continue to seek the face of God and place their trust in Him, despite their weariness. May their spirits be fortified, as God provides and will continue to provide, resources that will last incredibly longer periods of time than they should. Pray for wisdom and discernment, that their route is being planned and directed by God. May they be reminded, that for the times there are errors and wrong turns, even those, despite the why, who and how of the matter, He is using it all for good. For those who love Him. For those called, according to His purpose.

For the glory God and His honor.
For the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC

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