Into The Unknown

Today I stood on the shore of the longest river in the United States - the Missouri. Once again I had the sensation of looking at history. It’s impossible for me to be close to history without thinking about it.

On this occasion, I stood at a point that had a memorial to Merriwether Lewis and William Clark. They, by direction of Thomas Jefferson, set out to explore the length of the Missouri River to find the best route to the west. They set out on August 31, 1803 … into the unknown. They are American heroes because they faced the unknown and overcame obstacles. They kept on going. They helped form our nation by opening up the way for others to follow. True, others had to face hardships when they travelled west. And many died without seeing their dreams come true. But perhaps their children did. Or others who, encouraged by their example, set out on the same journey. We discussed with our grandchildren that those men - Lewis and Clark - had travelled by that very spot where we stood.

Ever felt like you’ve ‘set out’ facing the unknown. Perhaps we all do - every day. It’s called life.

We study the Bible reading the stories of great heroes of faith who ‘set out into the unknown’ beginning with Adam and Eve. The whole Garden of Eden was, of course, new to them but when they had to leave that wonderful place, they had to face the world with all the unknowns.

Read Hebrews 11 again. Abraham, Jacob, Joseph, Moses and the Israelites, Esther, the prophets - all of these well-known people are known because they faced the unknown. What makes them heroes of faith is that they faced the unknown and overcame obstacles. Yes, some of them never saw the end of their journey, but by the faith they had in their God, they knew it was worth the effort.

We need to pass on to our children and grandchildren the stories of men like Lewis and Clark and others who literally gave their lives to blaze the trails and show the way for others to travel.

We must also constantly remind ourselves - and our children and grandchildren - of those great characters who trusted God and blazed the trails of faith to show us that following God is worth the effort.

As Paul says in 2 Timothy 4:7,8, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.” Why could he say this? He tells us in chapter 1, verse 12, “for I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day.”

People are heroes because they go beyond what is expected, to do what is necessary. And they don’t quit. Being faithful to God means we don’t quit. You see you never set out with God facing the unknown. He has told us what is in store, just as He told the Israelites - and all the others - about the reward awaiting the faithful.

Trust Him. Launch out...so others can follow.

See you when the saints meet, Lord willing.

Love, Tony