When I am about to embark on something new or momentous, I set out with great anticipation and excitement. Yet, I have found myself feeling like it has just been a fight to the finish line. 

This summer, my family and I were able to enjoy a beautiful vacation. We were filled with excitement. The weather was beautiful and God’s grandeur was all around us to soak in. 

After a ride that felt like forever, we arrived at our first stop. Among the towering trees and majestic mountains, there was a suspension bridge. We were captivated. We watched hundreds of people briskly cross this bridge that was several hundred feet high. Although it was shaking quite a bit, we convinced ourselves that it was fine. 

We took a deep breath and began walking across the bridge. But after a few steps in, the shakiness of the bridge was unsettling. We stopped, turned around, and walked back to firm ground as quickly as possible.

Needless to say, I was pretty disappointed. I had been looking forward to seeing the park on the other side of the bridge. After all, we had traveled so far and the likelihood that we would return to the area was slim. 

The following day, we ventured on our next tour. When we stopped, we entered a gondola. It took us up over 2,000 feet high. Some of us were mesmerized while some of us felt queasy. When we exited the gondola, do you know what we saw? … a suspension bridge.  

Were we going to allow what went wrong the other day to inhibit us from going forward today? Thankfully, there were way fewer people walking across this bridge and they all paced themselves and were respectful of those around them. But I still held my breath not knowing what we would decide.

Then, we did it. One by one, each of us walked across. And let me tell you – it was worth it! The more we hiked up the mountain, the more the view was breathtaking. To be in the midst of God’s creation was exhilarating! 

As we just finished reading the book of Psalms, I thought of what David experienced. He had great anticipation of what was ahead in his future. Yet, some days he experienced frustration and defeat:  “How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and day after day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me?” (Psalm 13:2 NIV)

On other days, he experienced joy and victory: “How I love you, Lord! You are my defender.” (Psalm 18:1 GNT)

This experience and this book have taught me:

• As you set out: “Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you.” (Psalm 37:5)
• What you’re experiencing is not a surprise to God: “I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 AMPC)
• When things go awry: “… let us not grow weary …, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9)

Dear Friend, I hope this encourages you today. When you set out to do what God has called you to, press forward in spite of the frustrations. He will see you through to the finish line.
~Joyce