The Winding Road

Imagine this… you’re driving on the highway and in the distance you see mountains with a long winding road going up the middle and a beautiful sunset in the sky above.  This is what I saw on my way home tonight. Now, I see this most nights on my way home, depending on what time it is, but tonight was different. Tonight I felt God telling me that this is what life is like.

Life is like climbing a mountain on a winding road; day by day you’re getting closer and closer to the top but the path to get there is an adventure on a winding road. This road will have twists and turns that you may not see coming and you won’t know what’s around the corner. Some of these turns may have an amazing view and be a great drive, while others may be full of stormy rain clouds that make the road very slippery. However, with every turn you’ll get closer to the top, which is where the best view is – the view of the beautiful sunset (the light at the end) that you saw from a distance. You’ll see glimpses of the sunset all along the road, and sometimes it may seem like you can’t see it at all, but you won’t be able to enjoy the full beauty of it until you get to the top.

This sunset represents the Kingdom of Heaven and the hope for eternal life we have, as Christians. We will have some really tough times in this life (the stormy parts of the road) and we will also have some amazing celebrations (the amazing views), God never promised us an easy life here on earth. In fact, John 16:33 says, “…in this world you will have trouble…” But, at the end of that verse is the promise that He’s given us as Christians, “…but take heart! I have overcome the world.” Revelation 21:4 says, “He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” This is the promise of eternal life, this is the sunset at the top of the mountain.

However, we have to live each day here on earth to the fullest. We have to use what we go through as part of our testimony as to what God can do.  Everything you go through, God will use for good – even if you may never see how. Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that in all things, God works for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.” 1 Chronicles 16:8 says, “Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon His name; make known His deeds among the nations.” Finally, Matthew 5:14 says, “you are the light of the world…”

Life is a crazy adventure but we have the best travel guide of all – God, our heavenly Father who had the perfect plan and route for us before we were even born. Let us rely on Him, trust in Him, and walk every step of the way with Him. Also, let us use our adventure story to be the “lights of the world” like He says in Matthew 5:14; we can be the glimpses of the sunset that others see on their winding road up the mountain.

Life is like a winding road up a mountain, so keep on adventuring and be prepared for the twists and turns.