ROMANS 8:28-30: “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.” NKJV
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OBSERVATION: Have you ever taken a trip that you did not enjoy? The travel time was boring, the scenery monotonous, and there were no points of interest along the way. Yet, you survived. What kept you going? It was the hope of the final destination.

One of the perks of growing up in Southern California was going to Disneyland. This was the era of the ticket book and the infamous “E” ticket. The cost was not nearly as prohibitive as it is today. I would mow yards and wash cars to save up the six dollars that would buy a ticket book and the adventure of a day in the “Happiest Place on Earth!”

When we first went to Disneyland there were no freeways that led to Anaheim from where I grew up in Diamond Bar. We would take an old road called Brea Canyon Cutoff. It was a boring road that traveled through the hills and old oil fields of Brea. I would sit and stare out the window wondering if we would ever make it to our final destination.

When we came out of the hills and into the city the sights were no better. What kid in his right mind gets excited about houses and stores. The road seemed endless. It was as if all hope was slipping away. And, then it happened. I saw a motel that stood before a hill. It was the last part of the journey. As we passed the motel, as we climbed the hill, there it was – the tip of the Matterhorn! We were almost there!

My trip to Disneyland as a kid is much like my journey in life. Truth be told, every day of life is not all that exciting. It is routine, you see and do the same things, and it can seem like an endless trip of one day following the next. When you add a trial or great difficulty, things look even worse. It is like the endless twists and turns on Brea Canyon Cutoff – and Disneyland is no where in sight!

Yet, like the hope I held in my heart as a kid, so we hold a hope in our heart as believers. Though the pathway may be filled with sorrow and tears, we know that the final destination is worth the journey. And, we have the sure promise from God’s heart to ours,

• “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”

Everything in our life, both good and bad, is being continually redeemed by the loving hand of God. Rest assured, everything in our life is not good. This is not God’s promise. We all walk through difficult times. We all face disappointment, failure, and loss. Sorrow is no stranger to the believer. Yet, in all these things we have this promise. God is redeeming everything in our life toward a good purpose and end. All that we face in life is leading toward the final destination of good!

We need to keep our eyes on the final destination! As my face pressed against the glass of our car, as I watched one oil rig after another, I would keep looking in anticipation of that small motel that led to the hill of promise. As we journey through life, we too need to keep our eyes focused on the true goal and purpose of God for our life.

• “For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.”

Our life is not meant to be a cake-walk. It is designed to transform us into the image of Jesus Christ our Lord. The Scriptures tell us that Jesus learned obedience through the things that He suffered. If this was necessary for Jesus, who had no sin, how much more is it necessary for us? Every trial, every difficulty, every mountain that we face, is an opportunity to experience God’s grace and faithfulness. It is an opportunity to see the hand of God turning what the world has meant for evil, into His good purposes.

The key is to stay in the car! Don’t leave the journey until you reach the final destination. Trust in God’s faithfulness. Your current situation may not be good, but this is not your final destination! Your final destination is good! God is faithful. His purposes will be established. He will not leave you nor forsake you! He will freely give you all that you need!

• “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?” Romans‬ ‭8:31-32‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Lord, forgive me when I grow impatient with the journey. Grant me the grace to hold onto Your promise. My final destination is good! You are always working all things toward Your good and perfect will for my life.

Wait…what is that ahead? Is it the tip of the Matterhorn?

In Jesus Name!