Where Am I Going? And How Do I Get There?

Yes life is a journey--and wouldn't we all like to own the map that tells us exactly where that journey ends--and all the interesting twists and turns along the way.

I seriously dislike a series of television commercials running right now produced by Fidelity--you know them, the financial management company. The commercials feature energetic looking mature couples walking down a green path that the Fidelity Company is laying out step-by-step. "Don't worry seniors," the message suggests. "If you invest with Fidelity, we'll take you to the promised land." I wish finding the promised land was that easy.

Sad truth is that many persons who once felt secure about their futures aren't so sure now. Sure the stock market looks better today--but for millions of Americans who invested a significant portion of their wealth in their homes our "nest eggs" seem rather puny. Worse, millions of workers in their 40s, 50s and 60s, who expected to work a certain number of years and earn a certain level of income before retirement, find themselves unemployed and quickly burning through resources. As unemployment benefits run out, COBRA premiums become unaffordable, and houses in nice neighborhoods with upside down mortgages are abandoned, many Americans worry that God has somehow forsaken them.

Especially in Michigan and other economically ravaged regions people understand David perfectly when he mourns in Psalm 102, "He has broken my strength in midcourse." And, "Do not take me away at the midpoint of my life." How terrifying it is to be on a journey and find yourself stuck in the desert, out of gas, without reception on your cell phone, and far from your final destination. What do you do?

People of faith rely on hope. While we may be in the dark at the moment, the God we worship knows the total picture. The God who created the world, who has showered us with blessings of life and companionship, will not leave us in the lurch, no matter how difficult our present circumstances.

Do these words comfort you? Maybe not if you face immediate needs and painful choices. However, know that beyond the present discomfort, God has promised to deliver us to a place of rest--both in this world and in the world to come.

So, if you feel your life is stalled in a wasteland, and the darkness of night deepens around you, fear not. Your deliverer draws near. Maybe not in an Escalade, or a Jag, but God is bringing you relief . . . soon! After all, if your goal is to get to the promised land, does it really matter whether you get there in a Maybach or riding on the Megabus? I just want to get there, and have a spot prepared for me. God never promised that the road to the promised land would be easy or comfortable, just that he would take us there.

The folks at Fidelity proclaim that they can deliver you to a promised land of financial ease, and maybe they can bring some comfort to their clients. However, for my money, I'm still banking with the God of Abraham. See you at the pool!