Don’t Have To Go It Alone

Traveling down the interstate just now, I began to contemplate how “Life’s a journey” has become a constant, contemporary refrain. Suppose it is. Suppose one’s span, circumstances, and particles of life could be viewed as a vast wilderness he must cross. There are two different ways his journey across it could be viewed: One could see his journey as a float down the river that crosses the wilderness. This would be the view of religious predestinationists and secular naturalism-determinists. Just as the path of the river has already been carved across the wilderness as it meanders out in front of you, the path of your life’s journey has already been etched through the span of your existence on planet earth. When one takes a kayak float trip down a river, he does not even determine the direction he will go. The current of the river determines that. Floating downriver, the kayaker’s each twist and turn are determined by the river. The terrain through which he passes, the flora and fauna he sees, the other people he encounters, and even the in-river obstacles he faces, are all determined by the preset path of the river. Another view of crossing that wilderness, the correct view, in my opinion, is one of a hike. This being a true wilderness, there are no trails for the trek. How incredibly daunting! Although there are parameters, set features, obstacles, and landmarks to the land, the direction, turns, and path are left to the choices of the hiker. His path across the wilderness will be the result of his free will choices—which direction, which turn, etc. Each person given life is faced with this wilderness and the free-will to choose his path across it. Again, how daunting. How well can that possibly turn out? How despairing. But, let’s suppose the hiker is given somethings to help him. What if he is given a compass, a map, and a guide? Any of these by themselves would be quite helpful. But, together, they form a formidable help and hope. A compass is good. It helps one establish direction. It keeps one from wandering in aimless circles. A compass is better with a map. A compass used for triangulating can help one establish where he is on the map. The map then shows the topography, the landmarks, the dangers, etc., helping one ascertain the best route. One thing better than a compass and map is a guide too. A guide, beyond explanation of and confirming commentary about the compass and map, walks with you. He reminds you to follow the compass and map. He points out things you missed on the map. He even encourages you about discouraging features and distances. The one who faces his journey of life as a believer in Christ finds he has these three things to give help and hope. He has the compass of conscience, the map of God’s Word, and the Guide of the Holy Spirit. We choose our path, but, thank God, we are not left to go the journey on our own. I cannot imagine why so many are trying to.

Don’t Have To Go It Alone

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