A college student with the goal of becoming a neurosurgeon enters her studies knowing that much study and reading and personal sacrifice are ahead. She signs up for classes, thereby consenting to the sleepless nights, the long years of internship, the financial commitments, vacationless years and the delay of family. Why? For the joy of accomplishing her dream and eventually practicing medicine in the area to which she feels most drawn. She despises being looked down on by the senior class, chokes down the irritation at being given the worst shifts, the longest shifts, the most difficult patients. All the while, she rehearses in her head the day that all this will be behind her, and she can finally see daylight ahead. It’s that light that makes her journey worthwhile. So, too, Jesus.
So, too, us! We have on our journey an entire lifetime of lessons to learn, lots of mistakes and weaknesses to overcome. We have gifts to acknowledge and put to use and Scriptural truths to lean heavily into – particularly when circumstances feel mostly hopeless. We get to learn perseverance in the face of trials. We build strong forgiveness muscles when we are sinned against. We must navigate family relationships, both enjoyable and challenging, with the servant (never complaining!) attitude of Jesus. We discover pain in having our faith stretched, sometimes, it seems, to the limit. And we endure all this why? Because of the promise! The joy! The victor’s prize! (Like Master, like disciple). Ours is the incredible privilege of working side by side with Jesus in Kingdom harvest, sensing his immense pleasure in us – until the end of this age comes. That’s the light at the end of all our journeys, friends. PD
