An Invitation to a Journey

2 hours ago

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“And so we know and rely on the love God has for us.” I Jn 4:16

“Our faith journey depends upon roads that transform us as we travel … that encourage us to become more of who God desires us to be.”

Luther E. Smith Jr.

It was a bright summer day. We had our water bottles, comfortable shoes, snacks, and we were off on an adventure. It had become our thing for the kids and me. One year, we made a list of all the parks and forest preserves near us and set out to explore them all. It became a multi-year project. When they were younger, we went to playgrounds with slides and swings. When they were older, we tackled trails, fished, and even explored a small cave. We had no idea what the day would hold, but we were ready.

That day, we arrived at a nature park. It was larger than I imagined. I felt a little unprepared. I saw a series of trails running through the park; each path meandered into the woods toward an unseen destination. The kids picked a path, and we were off. They were hoping to see a large animal. I was hoping we wouldn’t get lost. My hope came true. Thinking about it now, I realize that we may have stayed longer, seen more, and had an even more meaningful experience if we'd had a guide who knew the way and could have led us even farther down the path.

Isn’t that true in life, too? We often can’t see the way to a clear end destination. If we want to journey well and go farther, we need someone who can guide us. We need someone who has a map or a framework to help us make sense of it all. We need someone who actually knows the way and will go with us.

I don’t have to tell you we live in uncertain times, but I want you to know that, in the midst of it, you can live with confidence and assurance. That's how the Bible describes faith. As we live with faith, we can be confident in what we hope for. Living by faith gives us assurance about what we do not see. (1) There is a way of life that works. It can be a great adventure with Jesus as our guide.

As I have been preparing to share this with you, I have been thinking of my life as an adventure. In fact, the Bible often describes faith as walking with God. It shows us countless examples of men, women, and children who had a real sense of God's persevering faithfulness with them. You might say they were on an adventure.

In his journey of faith, Abraham left the place he had lived his whole life to follow God, not even knowing where he was going. As he stayed with God, something happened along the way: he changed. Abraham became known as a friend of God. God knew him, and he knew God.

Like any great adventure, you never know what’s in store for you on the journey of faith. Life is unpredictable. We go forth each day into uncharted territory. Terrible and wonderful things will happen. You will face peril, conflict, and battles within and without. It may also bring you to new heights with moments of triumph and growth. Sometimes it will be like coasting downhill on your bike. You will feel a sense of freedom and ease. Sometimes it will feel like an uphill battle or a dark valley. As you go along, you will need discernment, rest, and renewal. It will require something of you, but you will not be making the journey alone.

“True discipleship is the last adventure,” said R. Somerset Ward. “Why is it, you may ask, that this is such a great adventure? It is because you cannot be a disciple without giving to God all that you have.” (2) You have to be willing to let God take the lead as you follow. You need to stay close to Him. A growing faith involves not only trusting God but entrusting yourself to God.

“Life with Christ is a wonderful adventure.” Pope John Paul II

In the next few weeks, we are going on an adventure. We will turn to the Gospel of John to learn some of the defining steps of being a disciple of Jesus. We will learn what it looks like to live with Him. We will discover how we can grow in faith as we remain with Jesus. Are you ready?

Day by day, O dear Lord,

of thee three things I pray:

To see thee more clearly,

Love thee more dearly,

Follow thee more nearly,

Day by day.

Richard of Chichester

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