You have to plan ahead a bit and stay the course, even if there are setbacks.”
–Ken Pratt (Wolves of Windsor Ridge)
“He [Moses] regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward.”
–Hebrews 11:26 (NIV)
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Wow! By the time we get back to the Echoes it will be another month past and we’ll be entering September. Time does surely fly. I remember in Basic Training it seemed as if the hours dragged and at the end of the day I’d wonder where it all went. If you’re walking on the straight and narrow, shouting glory, you’ve probably hit some ruts, some potholes, and maybe much more. Stay on that road no matter how rough it may get, or how many times you have to repair holes in the way, for it leads to a place that is much better than this old earth.
I happened to hear over the weekend, not an old song, but not contemporary one either. It has great harmony for quartets, but the message rings out even louder. It was written by Jean Canter. Let’s take a look at it. If you want to listen, go to YouTube and find the Oak Ridge Boys, the title is, “I Know What Lies Ahead.”
This road I’m on is strait and narrow
But it leads to a better home.
It was laid by Christ one day at Calvary
While He suffered all alone.
This road may lead over many high mountains,
And valleys dark and low,
But I’ll walk each day with sweet assurance
And I’ll safely reach my home.
For a fact, stay on the road, despite the difficulties, no matter the terrain, for it will be worth it all when we finally reach our heavenly home. One more mountain in your path, that’s one more challenge to factor, one more obstacle to help you grow in Christ. One more way to help you “work out your salvation.” The valley may be dark, it may even be the valley of the shadow of death, but I like those words–we walk each day with “sweet assurance.”
While on this road I get so weary,
And often my feet would stray;
But a gentle hand still leads me onward
And helps me find the way.
As I climb each hill and cross each valley
By His hand I’m daily led,
But I won’t look back gonna keep on walking
For I know what lies ahead.
Don’t give up. Yes, the way sometimes does get weary. Sometimes we want to rest and some want to just plain quit. How many do you know that have strayed off the path? How many do you know that have given up? Don’t be like them. With the Holy Spirit as your guide He will show you the way and give you peace in the midst of your troubles and weariness. Don’t look back, but put your gaze on the horizon, on that city like Abraham of old did; that city with foundations built by God. Don’t settle for this old earth to be your home.
Ahead there’s joy and gladness
And rest for the weary soul.
Ahead there’s peace and contentment
Everybody will be happy and whole.
I’ll be at home with Jesus
Where tears will never be shed;
Though often this road gets rough and rocky
Still I know what lies ahead.
Ahead–that heavenly home awaits. Don’t let the cares and the temptations of this world turn you aside. Keep plodding on for in front of you is peace and contentment. It will be worth it all when we reach those pearly gates. We will be in awe as we enter walking on those streets of gold. We will gaze around and see mansions, and yes, there’s one with your name posted on it. Go ahead, enter, you’re already clean and I’ll join you at the Marriage Supper.