Its About the Journey – Guest Speaker Brandon Miller

It’s About the Journey

2 Timothy 4:1-8 (NLT): (Paul’s final words to Timothy) 1 “I solemnly urge you in the presence of
God and Christ Jesus, who will someday judge the living and the dead when he comes to set up his
Kingdom: 2 Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct,
rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching. 3 For a time is coming when people will no
longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for
teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will reject the truth and chase
after myths. 5 But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the
Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you. 6 As for
me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near. 7 I have
fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. 8 And now the prize awaits
me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his
return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.”

I thought for sure I’d come to a point in my life where everything just worked out smoothly, the American dream doesn’t help these thoughts…
I’ve come to realize that most of my frustration has come because I’ve been seeking a destination in life rather than embracing the journey through life.
As a follower of Jesus I enjoy life so much more when I focus, not on a destination, but the One
who is guiding me through this journey.
For those of us that are Jesus followers if there is any destination in mind that we can look forward
to it won’t be found on this earth, it is only found in our ultimate reward of eternal life after our time on
this earth ends.
So this life on this Little Rock we call earth is about the journey…
• But the journey isn’t smooth, it’s up and down, it’s a roller coaster.
• I want a smooth and quick journey.
• That’s not what the journey is like for people who are trying to become who God has created them to
be and do what God has called them to do.

• Have you ever wondered why it’s a roller coaster?
• Have you asked God why?
• Have you asked God like I have; “Why God?!”, “What are you doing?!”, “Did you forget about me
Lord?!”
I’ve learned that some of the reasons why life feels like a roller coaster is simply do to the fact that
we live in a fallen and broken world that won’t stop hurting us.
The key for these moments of life is simply staying on the journey,
• DON’T JUMP SHIP! (Jesus sleeping in the boat during a storm)
• ALLOW JESUS TO BE EVERYTHING YOU NEED!
• Matthew 11:28-30 (MSG): ““Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get
away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and
work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or
ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”” (I’m the way, truth,
and life…)
• Jesus knows how to comfort us and take care of us.
• John 11:35 (NLT): “Then Jesus wept.”
• The Bible also tells us that God works everything out for our benefit.
• Romans 8:28 (NLT): “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of
those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.”

Another reason for this roller coaster ride is the fact that God will never be done working in us and
on us.
I thought I could become a Christian that didn’t need any more work to be done on him, but that’s
not the case, ever!
The Bible is clear that God will always be working on us.
Yes He accepts us just as we are, but He loves us too much to leave us that way!
• Ephesians 3:14-19 (NLT): 14 “When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, 15 the
Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. 16 I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he
will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. 17 Then Christ will make his home in your
hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. 18 And
may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high,
and how deep his love is. 19 May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to
understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes
from God.”
God is working in us:
• REMEMBER THAT GOD IS A LOVING HEAVENLY FATHER.
• PURSUE HIM AND HIS LOVE. (Refocus life to this #1 purpose)
• EMBRACE THE WORK HE IS DOING IN YOU. (Self help books, ted talks…)
• RELY ON HIS GRACE. (My Grace is all you need, sufficient)
• TRUST HIM TO WORK IT OUT.

Life’s journey will continue to have ups and downs and turns and crazy moments, because God
won’t stop using you to accomplish His plans and His purpose.
• BE AVAILABLE.
• Colossians 3:16-17 (NLT): 16 “Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach
and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to
God with thankful hearts. 17 And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks through him to God the Father.
• Colossians 3:23-24 (NLT): 23 “Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the
Lord rather than for people. 24 Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward,
and that the Master you are serving is Christ.”
• CHOOSE HIS RESULTS!
• Ephesians 3:20 (NLT): “Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within
us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.” (I don’t like roller coasters cause I don’t
like being out of control, my wife and I don’t like riding in the same car together…)(it doesn’t look like
how you think it’s going to look like…)

• Unfortunately some people don’t get on the ride/journey…
• I want to encourage you today, join Jesus on this journey and let him take you through every season,
let Him work in you and through you, and be available and committed to God using your life for His
glory!

Prayer:
Start your journey with Jesus as your Lord and Savior,
Dear God today I recognize I’m a sinner and I need a Savior. I believe in your son Jesus that He lived on
this earth and His death and resurrection is enough to save me. I declare my life is Yours and from now
on I live for You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.