01-12
Psalm 37:23–24 (NIV)
"Enjoy the Journey"
A word from The General
As Iron Eagle Ministry has slowly taken shape over the past several years, I have encountered more than a few pitfalls along the way.
Some focus, choosing the right path.
Some were learning How To….
Some were mistakes that cost me time. The Lord did not make us perfect, mistakes are still made.
There have been days when I wondered if I was making any progress at all.
At my age, I sometimes think about time differently than I once did. I find myself wondering how many more people I might have reached if the road had been a little smoother.
Then I remember something.
Jesus never promised us a smooth road.
In fact, He warned us there would be difficulties.
The Christian life is not free from obstacles. It is filled with opportunities to trust Him.
Somewhere along the way I discovered something unexpected.
I actually began enjoying the journey.
Not because of the pitfalls.
But because every obstacle became another opportunity to see God provide, teach, guide, strengthen, and encourage me.
The ministry is still growing.
I am still learning.
I still make mistakes.
And I still encounter pitfalls.
But I would not trade the journey.
Every step has helped me know Jesus a little better.
And that has made every step worthwhile.
-The General
-In God We Trust-
Scripture
"The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand."
— Psalm 37:23–24 (NIV)
Background – Historical Setting
Psalm 37 was written by David during the later years of his life. Looking back over decades of walking with God, David reflected on the difference between those who trust in the Lord and those who choose their own path.
He had experienced seasons of victory and seasons of failure.
He had known peace, hardship, disappointment, and restoration.
Through it all, David learned that the Lord never abandoned those who faithfully followed Him.
When David writes that "the Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in Him," he is not promising a life without difficulties. In fact, he immediately acknowledges that God's people may stumble.
The wonderful promise is this: they will not fall beyond God's reach, because the Lord Himself upholds them with His hand.
David knew from personal experience that God's faithfulness is often seen most clearly while walking through life's difficulties, not after they have passed.
Meaning
Every believer's journey is different.
Some roads seem smooth.
Others are filled with unexpected turns, steep climbs, and difficult valleys.
Yet every journey has something in common.
God walks with His children.
The Christian life was never intended to be walked alone.
The Lord not only shows us the path; He walks beside us every step of the way.
There will be times when we stumble.
There will be moments when we question ourselves.
There will be seasons when we wonder if we are making any progress at all.
But God's promise remains unchanged.
He upholds those who place their trust in Him.
Sometimes the greatest growth in our faith comes through the very obstacles we wish had never appeared.
The pitfalls become classrooms.
The delays become lessons in patience.
The detours often become the very roads that lead us closer to Jesus.
Encouragement for Today
Perhaps your journey feels difficult today.
Maybe the road has become steeper than you expected.
Perhaps you have stumbled.
Or maybe you simply feel tired.
Take heart.
The Lord has not abandoned you.
He has not forgotten where you are.
Every step you take with Him is part of the journey He is using to shape your life.
One day you may look back and discover that some of your greatest blessings came through roads you never would have chosen.
Until then...
Keep walking.
Keep trusting.
Keep your eyes on Jesus.
The Lord is walking beside you every step of the way.
Take His hand... and enjoy the journey.
Be encouraged today.
-In God We Trust-
More to Come
