These all died in faith, not having received the
promises, but having seen them afar off were assured
of them, embraced them and confessed that they
were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. Hebrews 11:13

 

Recommended Reading Philippians 3:12-14

 

Most Christians are familiar with John Bunyan's
Pilgrim's Progress. Bunyan's allegory is said to be
the second-most popular book in the history of the
English language, second only to the Bible. While
most know the book, fewer are familiar with the
complete title: The Pilgrim's Progress from This World
to That Which Is to Come.

 

Pilgrim's Progress is about an "everyman" who makes
his way from earth to heaven by varied and difficult
paths. But it is on the path that he discovers salvation
and grows to maturity. In other words, because God's
goal for us is Christ-likeness (Romans 8:29), the
journey becomes the destination. It is on the journey
toward heaven that we encounter the trials, tribulations,
and blessings that conform our inner person to the
character of Christ. Heaven is our home, but being
like Jesus is our goal.

 

The next time the journey seems difficult, remember:
It's supposed to be! If Christ learned obedience through
the things He suffered (Hebrews 5:8), it is likely we will
learn it the same way.

 

The Lord gets His best soldiers out of the highlands
of affliction.

 Charles Spurgeon

Midi:  Put Your Hand in the Hand