The Christian life is a journey, not a destination. We never “arrive” at some ultimate spiritual maturity where we fully comprehend the vastness of our infinite God. Instead, like in any significant relationship—whether with a spouse or another loved one—we perpetually move closer, yet never grasp the fullness of God. Therefore, as Christians, we must resist becoming stagnant and seek to keep growing in our knowledge and love of God. We take up our crosses daily and allow God to continually transform us by renewing our minds to comprehend the breadth, length, height, and depth of his love for us in Christ Jesus. This ongoing transformation is the heart of the spiritual journey.
The concept of the spiritual journey is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, often intertwined with a physical journey. In Genesis, God called Abraham to leave his homeland, his family, and all the comforts of “home” to set off for an unknown destination. His journey signified not only a physical relocation but also a profound leap of faith in his covenantal relationship with God. Similarly, after being redeemed from slavery in Egypt, God’s people wandered the Sinai Peninsula for forty years, moving toward the Promised Land. The Psalms of Ascent, sung by God’s people as they ascended to Jerusalem on holy days, reflect a spiritual and physical pilgrimage to the Holy City. Jesus spent most of his life and ministry on the road, and his final command to his disciples in the Gospel of Matthew was to “Go…” The Apostle Paul, after his dramatic conversion, spent most of his spiritual journey on missionary trips planting churches around the Mediterranean Sea. this recurring combination of spiritual and physical journeys prompts us to ask why God often links spiritual growth with physical movement.
For the past two summers, First Church students have experienced the impact of faith-based travel by serving with FUGE Camps in South Carolina. These trips catalyzed their spiritual growth and development as they encountered the Lord through worship and service, returning home transformed. It seems that stretching beyond our comfort zones, breaking free from our routines, and trying new things are all essential for spiritual growth. When we engage with new people, places, and ideas, we realize the vastness of our world and the grandeur of our God who reigns over it all.
This edition of the Epistle will focus on faith-based travel. In the following pages, you will encounter stories of how God has worked through his people’s experiences in new environments. As you read, I encourage you to embrace a spirit of adventure and exploration. Perhaps the Lord will call you to “go” on a faith-based excursion where you, too, will encounter him in a new and transformative way.
by Pastor Brad Rogers
