Journey With The Lord by Andrea Marino

The Christian life can be compared to hiking up a mountain. Over rocks and tree roots, protruding from the rugged ground of wooded land, we move upward into the higher ways of God. At times, the terrain will appear too difficult to navigate. That is when we must fix our eyes on Jesus, the Author, and Finisher of our faith. (Hebrews 12:2) Nothing happens easily or goes smoothly in a life of faith. We may as well determine to see the glass as half full. God has done marvelous things and has given us great blessings. Such remembrance will guard our hearts and keep hope alive.

In Philippians 3:14, the Apostle Paul describes this journey with the Lord as a race. We “press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called us heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Serious athletes are not casual about training, rather are committed to going the distance, making every effort to finish. What I have learned through every phase of my journey, specifically the goals I have set for myself, is that God is more interested in my perseverance than in my arrival. He wants us to learn nuggets of His truth that, in the long run, help us find contentment despite the challenges before us. While hiking up a mountain is not a walk in the park, there is beautiful scenery to take in along the way. There is also an apex on every mountain where lies a sunny overlook in which to enjoy the spectacular view of wide-open space. When I was a child, my dad and I often took walks through the woods next to our house. Taking a seat on a tree log, patiently we waited for pheasants to strut by. Fondly, I recall my dad’s gentle whisper to be quiet so as not to scare the pheasants away. In the silence, surrounded by nature, my dad by my side, I found a very satisfying peace. “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. (Isaiah 40:31 KJV)

Everyone needs time away from the cares and problems of this world. I view it as a necessary room to grow in the Lord, a little getaway within time and space to reflect upon Him and all that is most important. Jesus is the way out of this land of ruin we are in for now. Through Him is access to a spiritual land called Bethel, which in Scripture refers to the house of God. How great is His dwelling place. He is our all in all.

The song Broken Together, by Casting Crowns, paints a picture of disillusionment in married life. Disillusionment can sneak into any human situation, difficult or not. Because of inherent sin, we are all broken people, often defaulting to “building kingdoms, chasing dreams, leaving love behind,” as the song describes. God challenges us to learn to live—broken together.

After all, man has been created for and does desire relationship. No one can entirely distance himself physically or emotionally from others. From the ancient of days, the answer to our dilemma, all of them, is, “Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment.” (Matthew 22:37-38 NIV) Simple and yet not easy.

I sometimes think of the most powerful people in our world standing before God. Chasing after money and power, callous as to whom they hurt, what will go through their minds, at long last finding themselves with no excuse, no way of escape from having abandoned God and His teachings? I believe the unveiling taking place of all the hidden things of darkness, according to Luke 12.2, is for a greater purpose. Are we, God’s people, loving even our enemies enough to be praying for them? The devil is on the prowl, seeking whom he may devour. (1Peter 5:8) We are not required to love what people do. Jesus didn’t. It’s why He came to save the world.

Though I sometimes have a lapse of memory in the hard times, and I attempt to handle them myself, God remains in control. It’s there in the quiet times where I realize this truth, as well to realize the compassionate love He has shown to me. His love is healing. And no one is exempt from the need of the love of Jesus, His grace and mercy. Obedience to God is how we mature. How we advance up each and every mountain. “His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.” (2 Peter 1:3 NIV) Run the race, take up the challenge, believing in God’s miraculous ability with you and working in you. “ For with God nothing will be impossible.” (Luke 1:37 NKJV)

With a yearning to uncover the secret to life, Andrea embarked on a journey to discover truth. The study of Psychology proved inadequate, while the forces of darkness began to make their presence known. The Hobble, from Ai to Bethel encompasses Andrea’s personal victory over fear and bondage to the enemy. Passionate in sharing God’s Good News about Jesus, the author desires to encourage people to never lose hope. Because we all ‘hobble’ before God in need of Him. When not writing, Andrea loves spending time with her children and grandchildren, and enjoys cycling on the open roads with her husband, David.

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