Amazing Vision, Petrifying Path

It's hard to say how many times I have started a project with intense excitement in terms of the goal and then quickly became overwhelmed at the enormity of actually carrying out of the steps to reach that goal. Sometimes I determine the project is not worth pursuing and other times I persevere because I really, really want to reach that goal. I believe this is a fairly common human experience.

I am intrigued by Mark 10:32, "And they were in the way going up to Jerusalem; and Jesus went before them: and they were amazed; and as they followed, they were afraid. And he took again the twelve, and began to tell them what things should happen unto him."

Did you notice that? When Jesus began to lead them, they were amazed. The word amazed has a flavor of fear intermixed with wonder and awe. What happened as they began to actually follow Jesus' leading? They were afraid. In the Greek, the word translated afraid actually means "to put to flight by terrifying (to scare away)". In the context of this passage, the disciples were probably starting to understand why they were going to Jerusalem. They were beginning to see that this was not a pleasure trip. It was, however, a most necessary part of God's plan for mankind. There is much we can learn from this verse.

There have been times I have embarked on a new journey in my spiritual walk. Often my initial approach is one of amazement -- fear, awe, wonder. But as I walk it out, there are generally moments of indescribable fear. Times I cry out to God, "Did I understand you correctly? Is that really you up ahead on this path?" At times I am paralyzed with fear and stop dead in my tracks. Thankfully, though, God encourages my lead feet to follow his lead and as the path becomes more clear, the fear dissipates, purpose becomes evident and joy overtakes fear. Notice I did not say the path becomes easier. I said it becomes more clear. Its purpose is evident and it is of eternal value. Let us encourage one another to continue the journey. Let us be motivated to listen to our Leader as He coaxes us through those fears and leads us on our perfect path. Have you left the path? Meet Him there again. He so desires us to follow.