"The End of the Trail," depicts total loss. In this famous statue is shown complete despair on the part of the American Indian. With his head down, and spear pointed down, the Indian is matched only by his horse in total exhaustion. They have fought the battle and lost. And now where do you go? And what do you do? To whom do you turn when defeat surrounds you?
As I look back on numerous trips I have taken, I feel totally exhausted at the end, and empty. I didn't want them to end. But yet I do, why, I don't know, as I should be filled with joy, as I have just completed a trip, a vacation, a quest, or dream come true. But yet, this emptiness haunts me for days-more than emotions, it cuts deep. And this is just about time off from all the pressures of life, but yet somehow we take our problems with us, and don't rest when we need to. Why is it that after a happy event, or a blessed event we can feel so exhausted and empty? Do our emotions run our lives that much?
I watched on vacation this year as mothers took care of young ones, while the husband read the paper, or watched TV at breakfast. She-frazzled and tired, no rest here for her, the only difference between here and home was a change of scenery. He-no rest for him either, as he brought the office with him via a laptop, cell phone, and text messages. The kids, they get tired of standing in line, missing friends, and being told how much fun they are having. Mom needs a break, and the kids just want their dad to spend time with them, like he promised when they planned the trip. But, they end up rather being at home and playing with their friends. And for two weeks, many miles, and thousands of dollars, they call this a vacation-only finding out in vacating they can't wait to get home-at least it gives them a home field advantage. Sad, and pathetic. And will repeat this family time again next year.
But I have learned in recent years to relax, and not only on vacation. Going through my prayer requests this morning I have cancelled flights, cancer, cancer, broken marriages, liver, unknown illnesses, broken relationships, joblessness, loss of home, and the list goes on. People who are about to give up, whose hope is gone,and whose horse is as worn out as them, the tip of their spear stuck in the ground, feeling the battle is too great, the war is too large, and wishing to just have it all end. And as is so often heard, "I just don't get it. I don't understand how we ever got this way."
Jesus never promised us understanding. Because understanding will not alleviate the problem. He promises us peace in the midst of the storm. A calm, that surpasses understanding, and gives us confidence that while all hell breaks loose around us, that He is in control-and we can find that peace when we submit to Him. No ritual, no words-just a complete turn to Him, and then let Him handle the problem, without us coaching. You see Satan, the destroyer, wants to ruin your life. He cannot inhabit Christians, but he can upset events and others who don't know Jesus. But God is in control, and not a hair of our head can be touched without God allowing it.
We don't have to be like the Indian, we can be like Job, who after losing his kids, friends turning on him, and losing all his wealth, still sought God. And was rewarded at the end, getting a new family and double of everything that he lost. This is perhaps one book that it is OK to read the end first, as it makes the middle easier to take. No coincidence this is the oldest book of the Bible. Suffering is the really the oldest profession.
Today you may be Job. Don't become like his wife. Trust God, it is in the in-between times that God is there, just like the beginning, and will be at the end. You see the end of our trail is heaven, and we endure just to get there. As we cling to God, He takes us through the problems, and shows us love in ways we cannot imagine. And that is my prayer for you today.
Like my friend Jim tells, "when you answer the door and it is Satan, turn to Jesus and say "it's for you!"
Let Jesus be the end of your trail. Go no further without Him. Whether vacation, home, your daily grind, or wherever-He is. Promising a peace that surpasses understanding, and anything else. Be encouraged, for the end of our trail, is the beginning of heaven. And I can't wait to get there. See you soon. Amen to all your prayers, may we find favor with God's answers.
love with compassion,
Mike
