Lessons from the Journey

October, 2005

by: Beth Mack

As you read this, I am preparing to get on a plane and leave to begin the final leg of my journey to South Africa. It’s amazing for me to sit back and think of what God has done in my life in a little over a year. The lessons that I have learned this last year aren’t earth shattering revelations but they are good reminders for us of some basic biblical truths. I hope that encourages you in your journey.

I’ve learned that God uses the detours in our lives in ways we never expected. There can be nothing more frustrating sometimes than to be on a road, knowing where you’re going, and when you’ll get to your destination and then hit a detour. What began as a simple journey to your destination can become a long tedious process to get there.

Sometimes God does that in our lives. In fact, a year ago that’s where I was. I had known where I was going and how I was going to get there and then God sent me on a detour. The detour wasn’t always fun and at times I struggled greatly with what God was doing, but now I wouldn’t trade it for the world. There were things that God wanted to do in my heart and life to make me more like Christ. That doesn’t mean at times it didn’t hurt but it does mean that God at all times was working for my good and His glory. God reminded me that His way is always best!

In the process, God has also reminded me of what a big and awesome God He is. There have been so many seemingly major obstacles on my journey to South Africa. So many times my faith was really small and I doubted God’s power. So many times God reminded me that the God who parted the Red Sea for the Israelites, the God who raised Christ from the dead, is the God at work in my life. Why did I doubt? Why was I anxious and worried? Seems kind of silly when I remember who God is and what He can do.

God has also used this year to remind me how truly dependent I am not only on Him but on the Body of Christ as well. Frankly, I like to think I can make it on my own (which is really just pride). And in my pride, I have never been good at asking for help. But as I have taught many times, God has created us to be the Body of Christ not isolated individuals. He has created us to need each other.

In many ways, this year I have been placed in situations where I needed help more then I ever have before. I needed help making life changing decisions. I was placed in situations where I really had no idea of what to do or how to handle them. I needed a place to live. I needed people’s financial support of my ministry. The list could go on and on. God graciously placed people in my life to come along side me and offer help and what a wonderful blessing it has been! I wouldn’t have made it to South Africa on my own!

I have also been reminded to enjoy where God has me now! They say of Jim Elliot, who gave his life for the Gospel, that where ever he was he was all there. I decided not long after I decided to pursue going to South Africa that I could spend the year being sad over leaving or desperately longing for what was to come or I could spend it all where God had me now! So, often we spend so much time longing for another time in life that we miss enjoying where God has us. I prayed often this year that even in planning to go, God would help me to be all here. I am thankful, that while it hasn’t always been easy, that God has helped me enjoy where He has had me this year! What a treasure it has been to deepen existing relationships and build new ones (and there’s been a lot of entertainment along the way). What a joy it has been to continue to serve God here at Calvary Bible Church this past year.

I leave with a grateful heart! I am so thankful for the privilege to be part of the family of God at Calvary. I am grateful for the good teaching I have received, for a pastor who loves God’s Word more than life, for the opportunities I have had to minister here, for the relationships and friendships that I have developed, for those of you who have become like family to me. There are so many of you that have impacted my life and left a lasting imprint! Thank you seems inadequate. What a blessing you have been to me!