This journey we are on

Life has a way of surprising us. Just when we think we have everything figured out, something unexpected happens—a health crisis, a financial setback, a relationship struggle. We make plans, map out our routes, and try to control our destinations, but the truth is, we're not on a simple trip with predetermined stops. We're on a journey filled with unknowns, challenges, and divine appointments we never saw coming.

A journey differs from a trip in significant ways. When we take a trip, we plan everything meticulously: hotel reservations, routes, daily itineraries. But imagine getting in your car with no destination, no plan, no idea where you'll stay each night. That's more like a journey—uncertain, unpredictable, requiring faith at every turn. And that's exactly what following Christ looks like.

We aren't meant to Walk Alone
One of the most beautiful truths about the Christian journey is this: God never intended for you to walk it alone.

Consider the story of the Apostle Paul. After leaving Athens, he arrived in Corinth—alone. This wasn't just any city; Corinth had such a reputation for immorality that to call someone "a Corinthian" was essentially an insult suggesting sexual promiscuity. Paul had every reason to feel apprehensive walking those streets by himself.

But God had already prepared a divine appointment. In Corinth, Paul met Aquila and Priscilla, a couple who had recently been expelled from Rome along with other Jews. Not only were they already believers in Christ, but they also shared Paul's trade as tentmakers (or more broadly, leather workers). They invited him to stay with them and work alongside them.

Was this coincidence? Absolutely not. God knew Paul would need companionship, encouragement, and fellow believers during this leg of his journey. At a time when Paul was struggling with fear and trembling, God provided exactly what he needed.

The same is true for us. Scripture reminds us in 1 Corinthians 12 that "the human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ." We are designed to be interconnected, sharing our lives together.

Yet here's the challenging question: Do you have people in your church family who truly know what's going on in your life? People who know your struggles and your victories? Someone you could call right now if you needed prayer—and you know they would actually pray, not just say they'll "keep you in their thoughts"?

Living the Christian life is hard. Living it alone is harder. That's exactly what the enemy wants—for you to isolate yourself from other believers. You can attend church every Sunday and still live independently, never truly sharing your life with others.

Community doesn't have to be complicated. It can be as simple as going for a walk with another believer, meeting for coffee, joining a book club that reads Christian books together, or simply being intentional about opening your life to others. But it requires one thing: intentionality. Life will always be busy. There will always be reasons not to invest in relationships. But we are stronger together than we are alone.

Expecting Difficulty on the Journey
Here's a truth we don't often share when we're telling people about Jesus: the Christian life comes with challenges.

We're quick to say "Jesus loves you," and that's absolutely true. But when was the last time you told someone who wanted to follow Christ, "Now understand, as you follow Jesus, you're going to encounter difficulties"? It seems counterintuitive, doesn't it? Yet it's the reality.

Paul experienced this firsthand. He had been stoned and left for dead. He had been beaten and imprisoned. He had been chased out of town after town. So when he arrived in Corinth, his fear was understandable. What would happen to him here?

But notice what Jesus did. In a vision, He appeared to Paul and said, "Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent, for I am with you and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many in this city who are my people."

In Paul's moment of fear, Jesus came to him with encouragement and assurance. He didn't promise that Paul would never face hardship again, but He promised His presence.

That's the key: Jesus will be with you through whatever you face. Remember Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fiery furnace? The fire didn't touch them because Jesus was with them. You may get singed by the fires you walk through, but with Jesus beside you, there's nothing you can't endure.

How does Jesus encourage us today? Often through His Word—which is why consistent time in Scripture is so vital. Sometimes through prayer, as we pour out our hearts and hear His still, small voice. Sometimes through other believers who speak truth into our lives. And sometimes simply through worship music that lifts our spirits and reminds us of His faithfulness.

Spiritual Battles Are Real
As you journey with Christ, understand this: you're in a spiritual battle. Ephesians 6:12 makes it clear: "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places."

Sometimes spiritual attacks come through conflict with other people. Married couples know this well—suddenly you're arguing over something trivial, and before you know it, you're in a full-blown conflict. The enemy is skilled at pushing buttons.

Sometimes attacks come through temptation, discouragement, or despair. But 2 Corinthians 10:4 reminds us that "the weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds."

You're equipped for this battle. You're not fighting in your own strength.

Seeing Opportunities, Not Just Problems
Finally, consider how Aquila and Priscilla responded when they heard Apollos teaching in the synagogue. Apollos was eloquent and competent in the Scriptures, but his understanding was incomplete—he only knew about John's baptism, not the full story of Jesus.

They could have criticized him publicly. They could have pointed out his errors in front of everyone. They could have dismissed him as someone with "issues" and moved on.

Instead, they took him aside privately and "explained to him the way of God more accurately." They saw an opportunity, not just a problem.

God will bring people into your life who have issues—sometimes more issues than you do. The question is: Will you see them as opportunities to share Christ and help them grow, or will you avoid them like that person you duck away from in the grocery store?

Remember Jesus' words when the woman caught in adultery was brought before Him: "Let him who is without sin cast the first stone." No one threw a stone because everyone had issues with sin.

We all have problems. We all have issues. The journey we're on isn't about perfection; it's about walking together, helping each other know and follow Jesus more closely.

So as you continue on your journey, remember: you're not alone, difficulties are part of the path, you're equipped for spiritual battle, and the people God brings into your life are opportunities, not burdens.

Where is your journey taking you today?