I have more understanding than the elders, for
I obey your precepts.
—Psalm 119:100
As the Creator of
the universe, God has every tool conceivable at his disposal. At the command of
his voice, he could send a lightning bolt to zap us with understanding, or he
could appoint an angel to announce what we should do in a particular situation,
or he could send a heavenly scribe to write a message on our living room wall.
He has communicated with people in similar miraculous ways in the past, and he could
certainly do so again.
But throughout
Scripture and history, his communication method of choice is most often his
Word, the Bible. He chooses this slower, subtler method of revealing himself to
us, gradually softening our hearts and opening our eyes until before we know
it, we are able to see things with the understanding he has imparted to us
through Scripture.
In his classic
book Pilgrim’s Progress, first
published in 1678, John Bunyan spins an elaborate allegory of the Christian
life. In it he affirms that we don’t suddenly achieve spiritual maturity the
moment we enter into a relationship with Christ; rather, it is a journey that
God leads us on one step a time.
The story centers on the main
character, Christian, as he journeys from the City of Destruction (this world),
to the Celestial City (heaven). Along the way, he faces countless
challenges—including some from people who try to dissuade him from continuing
on his journey. First there’s Mr. Obstinate, who tries to convince him to
return home shortly after he has begun. Then there’s Mr. Legality, who argues
that Christian could find his way to the Celestial City through the law rather
than through Christ. There are also geographical obstacles he must face as he
goes, including the Slough of Despond and Doubting Castle.
But he also meets friends who help
him, including the beautiful servants Discretion and Prudence, who take him in
and feed him when he is exhausted from his journey.
Pilgrim’s Progress may be more than
three hundred years old, but Christians of any era can relate to the
experiences of its protagonist. We may not know anyone named Mr. Obstinate or
Mr. Legality, but we do know how discouraging it is when people try to dissuade
us from our walk with God. And while we may not walk through many literal
sloughs or castles, we know all too well what it’s like to face doubt and
despair.
And like
Christian, we are not alone on our journey. God has given us discretion and
prudence—understanding and wisdom—as we walk through this world, toward our
eternal home.
What obstacles are you facing on your own
pilgrim’s journey right now? What tools and companions has God given you along
your way?
—Stephanie Rische
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