The path ahead seemed to stretch out forever. We had been walking this trail almost daily for more than two months—three miles long and relatively flat. But today it seemed unending. My legs felt weak, my joints ached, and my muscles burned. It had been two weeks since my last chemotherapy treatment, and I should be feeling strong by now. Would I even be able to make it back home?

One step at a time, I plodded on, stopping at each opportunity to sit down and rest. Courage! Persistence! I would be able to do it if I just kept on going.

Many times in life there are journeys that seem too long and too difficult for us—things that fill us with uncertainty, pain and doubt. I am sure Abram felt this way as he prepared to leave Ur with his family. Jacob must surely have felt overwhelmed at the thought of meeting an angry Esau when God told him to return to Canaan. What about Moses as he marshaled the Israelite people for the Exodus? Yet in each case, God was with His servants to guide, to sustain, and to bring His plan for them to fruition. Will God not be equally faithful with us?

The journey of life sometimes seems long and challenging, but we have the promise of Christ that He will come back to take us home with Him. The mountains and valleys through which we pass can discourage us if we take our eyes off of Him and His promise.

“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness” (Isa 41:10). —Janella Abbey

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