Virtue will inspire you to never turn back…..

As we approach the summer months, many of us have been making plans to vacation with friends and family and recoup on some much needed rest and relaxation. We begin looking at our budgets and researching various destinations.  There are so many things to consider:  will we travel by air, train, bus or perhaps pull out the roadmap?

No matter what means of transportation we use, there’s a set of directions that we must follow to reach our destination.  Some will opt for the shortest route possible, while others will take the scenic route. I recall a time when my husband and I were traveling to attend a friend’s wedding. The trip that was expected to take 8 hours but it ultimately turned into 14 hours. The truth is, we followed the roadmap directions turn by turn—this was before the revolution of GPS!  However, the map never indicated that we would experience bumpy roads, dead end streets, detours, multiple accidents, and poor driving conditions.

Can you imagine how many times I said “I’m never taking a road trip again”; or how many times I requested, or better yet insisted, that we turn around? After much frustration, we made it! Although, we have now the memory of our worst trip ever, the pain that once was a nightmare now causes me to laugh. I can recall the inspiring conversation we shared on the road, and our determination to reach our destination as we persevered against all odds. I am also grateful that God allowed us to arrive safely, especially when we drove pass cars that slide off the road and no doubt experience some tragedy. The reality of our situation changed when I stopped complaining and adopted an attitude of gratitude.

This simple illustration is one that reminds me to never turn back! You may feel the need to turn around because the journey seems to long, or maybe you have decided not to go at all.  Regardless of where you are in the journey, I have one message to speak into your life- DON’T STOP NOW! You are closer to your destination than your starting point. I want to encourage you to listen to the voice of the GPS (GOD’s Promise to Succeed) -it never fails. God works better than a roadmap because He already knows what lies ahead of you and makes the necessary provision before your arrival.

Isaiah 42:16
  And I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them.

For those who have decided not to go at all- let me give you an extra push. Push you from a place of fear into your future of FAITH! We have to be careful when it comes to fear because it cripples us. Our mind is convinced that if we don’t move forward and stand still we are safe, when in reality you’re stuck! No progress comes from being idle. Eventually, you will become frustrated as you watch years literally pass you by. Don’t allow the enemy to trick you; God has promised you the kingdom…. it’s waiting on you!

Isaiah 41:13
For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.

Today, I encourage you to stay on the road to your destination. Live a life that’s full of love, peace and joy!

Be strong, courageous, and wise….be virtuous!