Embracing the Journey
Words from Jesus
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Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ. … God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son.—Ephesians 1:4–6
The road of life is long, with all its twists and turns, but I am with you through every bend in the road and over every mountain. Each step you take, each mile you travel, I am with you and My Spirit watches over you.
You must walk this road a while longer, but the light you will encounter when you get to the end will be so heartwarming, beautiful, and all-encompassing that you will realize that every step of the journey has been more than worth it. As I loved you before the world was made and as I love you now, I will love you for all eternity. My love for you endures from everlasting to everlasting (Psalm 103:17).
When this road ends and a new one begins, you can trust that you will look to Me, your closest and dearest friend, and say, “I am ready for this journey with You leading the way.” I will always lead and guide you in paths of righteousness, and My goodness and mercy will be your companions (Psalm 23:3, 6).
I will always come to your rescue. I may not always spare you from problems and times of trouble, but I will give you My grace and faith to carry on. My grace will always be sufficient for you (2 Corinthians 12:9).
A faith-based perspective
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.—Philippians 4:8
You can’t always choose your circumstances, but you can choose your outlook on life. You can choose to speak faith even in the storms, and you can choose to be positive and focus on the things that are good and worthy of praise. You will feel down or discouraged at times throughout life, or you may be struggling with pain or discomfort or loss, but you can still be an encouragement to those around you by your faith-filled approach to challenges.
Every stage of life has its upsides and its downsides, though some seasons of life can be more challenging than others. During these times, come to Me with all your burdens and troubles and take time in communion with Me and My Word. You will find strength and grace, as I am your ever-present help in every time of trouble (Psalm 46:1).
Make a conscious effort to focus on the good and to approach challenges with a positive, faith-filled perspective. Think and talk about the good things—and commit to thinking about and meditating on the things that are worthy of praise every day. And share these good things with others to encourage and uplift them as well.
Love that cares
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.—John 13:34–35
Love is seeing others and caring. Love is reaching out and helping and serving others. Love is speaking words of hope and holding back words that could be hurtful. Love is taking a moment in a busy day to speak words of encouragement to others. Love is lending a helping hand, even when you are tired.
My love for you is eternal, and I am always there for you. I ask that you in turn love others with My love—a love that cares, that sees the people around you and reaches out to manifest My love for them. Just as I am always with you to help, comfort, and encourage you in whatever way you need it, so I call you to be attentive to the ways in which you can love and serve those around you.
I love you with the kind of love that never quits or tires or gives up. You are not only My disciple and follower, but I have called you My friend (John 15:15). And just as friends are there for each other, so I am there for you. Let Me be your closest friend and confidant, and let My Spirit work in you to guide you in the ways you can be My love to others.
The things that last
Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends.—1 Corinthians 13:7–8
Let My love be the motivation in everything you do each day (1 Corinthians 16:14). The things done in My love will last. As you share Me and My love with others, you are investing in eternity. As you reach out to help, encourage, support, strengthen, and show My love for others through your actions, you are fulfilling My calling to you to be an ambassador of My love and truth.
As you go for a walk or sit on a park bench, you can strike up a conversation and encourage someone and share My love with those you meet. You can pass out tracts with messages about Me and My love and salvation. You can pray for someone who is in distress. You can show someone who feels unseen that they matter, so they can know that they are loved by Me.
If you are able, you could serve as a volunteer at a homeless shelter, hospital, orphanage, church, or charity. Investing in others will rejuvenate your own spirit, as I will pour back into your life in good measure (Luke 6:38). So many people are in need of My love—not only those who don’t know Me, but also your brothers and sisters in Me who are experiencing a time of need. I will use your loving words, your kind actions, and your willingness to carry My love to them. Let Me love others through you.
My quiet work
Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.—Isaiah 46:4
I am with you in every time of life—and I have promised to sustain you even to your old age. These are our quiet years together, dear one, when I do a quiet work within you. These are the years when your physical strength begins to fade into the background, and your spiritual strength can flourish and grow. This is a special time to draw ever closer to Me, and to reflect and meditate—time that is no longer crowded out by the press of former demands.
You can’t take your material possessions with you when you graduate to the next life, but you will take the wisdom and experience you have gained in this life. What you have learned on earth is a part of you and your journey. So come to Me with your questions and let Me heal your hurts. Seek answers in My Word, and let the entrance of My Word bring understanding and light the way before you (Psalm 119:130).
Having this special time to get closer to Me, your Creator, is a reward, not a punishment. While you may lament the weakening of your frame and your inability to do everything you used to do, I see the beauty of how your spirit is drawn closer to Me. As life slows down, you are drawn closer to Me, and My Word speaks to your heart more clearly. Embrace these times, as they are part of My plan to prepare you for the next life.
Originally published 2008. Adapted and republished October 2026. Read by Gabriel Garcia Valdivieso. Music by Michael Fogarty.
