Learning from the Ultimate Traveler

As many of you know, we spend a good deal of time on the road. Another frequent traveler, the Apostle Paul, once wrote, “all things are yours” (1 Corinthians 3:21-22). Traveling is a privilege and an opportunity to grow.

F.B. Meyer observed that everything is God’s classroom and serves to teach me something. I learn something on every journey and, with Christ, it is the adventure of a lifetime.

Truths about Travel that God is Teaching Me

Sitting in a hotel room recently, I began to make a list of some of the truths the Lord is patiently teaching me.

1. God is the same everywhere. The omnipresent God is not bound by geography.
2. The family of God is the greatest family on earth. God uses His people to refresh you along the way. Christian hospitality and kindness put fresh courage into the heart. A good word goes a long way.
3. When I can’t be there, I can pray! My prayers can go where I cannot. The greatest thing I can do for my family (even when I am with them) is pray…and I can do that anywhere.
4. There will be hard days. Human weakness and spiritual opposition should not surprise us. In fact, we should expect it. God’s grace will be sufficient.
5. You have to make yourself at home wherever you are. Granted, that is easier in some places than others, and “there is still no place like home.” Yet frequent travelers learn certain routines and habits that help. A picture. Music. Simple things. A child of God is always at home in the Lord. When we learn to “practice the presence of God,” as Brother Lawrence used to say, we have learned the secret to being at home anywhere.
6. People are basically the same everywhere. Cultures vary. Basic human needs and tendencies do not. As a preacher, I have learned that the Word of God and the Spirit of God work everywhere! Wherever Christ is lifted up, He still draws people to Himself.
7. Some days you just travel, but every day God can use you. In Christopher Columbus’ journal, one entry was found on multiple pages: “We sailed on.” You don’t discover the new world every day! Some days you just sail on. Every day is not exciting and adventurous. Many days are mundane, but even on those days, God is working on you and can work through you.

Jesus Christ was the Ultimate Traveler

Many travels have caused me to realize an aspect of our Lord’s earthly life that I never truly considered. Jesus Christ was the ultimate Traveler. For 33 1/2 years He was away from home. At night He had no place to lay His head. Scripture tells us that when others went to their own houses, Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. Yes, He was on a journey. Just passing through. (Click HERE to listen to Scott’s verse-by-verse study of Jesus’ life as recorded in the Gospel According to Mark.)

Was Jesus ever lonely? Certainly. He was “touched with the feeling of our infirmities.” Yet careful observation of His travels reveals wonderful truths.

He was always at home in the presence of His Father.

Have you ever wondered why Christ so often retired to private places to pray alone? He was communing with His Father.  It was there that He felt most “at home.” And so it should be with all of us who are passing through this world. Pilgrims. Sojourners.  Heaven is our home; God is our goal. If you are in your home or in some far-off place, you can still enter His presence. Learn to be at home in prayer.

He was always at work ministering to those around Him.

Christ was not looking for friends; He was being a Friend. Everywhere. Along the way He made enemies, but it was only the hatred of those who despised perfect Love. His life was one of joy and kindness. Most of my travels are for work, the Lord’s work. But I have learned that if I just strike up a conversation, look at people who are around me, God will give me opportunities to minister. New friends all along the way. Divine appointments.

Fascinating, isn’t it? The lonely Son of God seemed so very content wherever He was. Geography didn’t matter when He was walking in the presence of the Holy Spirit and under the watchful eye of the Father. And so are we.

Christ — A Constant Companion

It is a joy to travel and teach God’s Word to others. Yet every trip, I am reminded that I am still a student and the Teacher still has much to say. I have so much to learn from Him. Best of all, He is my constant Companion on the journey.  I never travel alone. I never check into a hotel alone or board a plane by myself. Christ is my constant Companion, and He has promised, “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee” (Hebrews 13:5).

Wherever your travels may take you, remember that He understands. No one has ever traveled further than Jesus did. May God bless and keep you wherever travels may take you today! Enjoy the journey with Jesus.

About Scott Pauley

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