Begin with the end in mind

Whether you turn to the right or to the left, 

your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, 

“This is the way; walk in it.”

--Isaiah 30:21

This is not going to be a blog that talks about our "GPS" (God's Positioning System.) But it is going to be about finding your way.

To find your way, you need to know where you want to go. That's true for a person, and it's true for a church or any other organization. You may not know exactly, or completely where you want to go-- but you need to have some idea. 

And then you need to have some idea how to get there. If you want to get to Albuquerque, for instance, and all you have is a map of France (and no Google), it could be quite the challenge. 

So where to begin? Well-- at the beginning, of course. Wherever you are, that is the easiest place to start.

And what if you have no idea, really, where you want to end up?

Close your eyes-- and imagine. 

The Israelites had never seen the Promised Land, but as they travelled through the wilderness, they imagined what it would be like. 

When they set out, they could not see-- but they could dream. They had vision.

Some would have you believe that unless you can see where you are going, you will never get there. And to a point-- I agree. But sometimes, the seeing happens in your heart, not in your brain.

If you begin a journey and cannot even dream about the destination, in some way or another, how will you know if you are even on the right road, let alone if you arrive?

There are many ways to get to Albuquerque. Many different routes. Some are straight and true, a direct shot; others meander through the mountains or take stops along the way. But they will all get you there-- as long as you keep your eye on the destination.

If you are reading this blog, you have already proven to me how intelligent you are.

So I am sure by now you have caught on to the fact that this is a metaphor for our life's journey with God.

Some people seem to know, from the time they are very young, that God has called them to a particular destination, and even at a young age, they can "see" how they will get there. There may be detours and scenic side trips, but they always have God's vision before them. Always imagining.

Some of us don't catch on until we have already made a few detours, extra-mileage side trips and maybe even ended up in a ditch or two.

Must have been looking at that map of France.

But when the imagination catches fire again, we see with God's vision. Sometimes clearly, sometimes through a glass darkly. 

Our map, our guiding [co]-pilot is the Holy Spirit.

This is the Way. Walk in it.

Gracious Lord, when our eyes cannot see clearly where you are leading, help us to always imagine where the next step lies, and help us to follow faithfully, trusting always in you. Amen.