A New Journey

In There is Purpose for the Wilderness, we uncovered the making of a spiritual ear.  Specifically, we looked at John the Baptist.  A man who dwelt in wilderness places.  It was there, in the wilderness, that he was in waiting.  He described himself as a bridegroom waiting for the groom, and the hearing of the groom’s voice had brought him fullness of joy (in Christ’s Presence). (see John 3:29)

We acknowledged that spiritually speaking, the wilderness places are those often characterized by any of the following: uncertainty, difficult outward circumstances, broken relationships, sickness and disease, inner darkness or despair, and so on. Yet in those difficult circumstances, our hearts become refined, so that we are able to hear him (enter his presence).   

Behold, I will do a new thing;… I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert. (Isa. 43:19 KJV)
 
Notice: new thing and I will make a way.

Meaning some things are going to change in your life, new things that were not there before will find beginning.  The development of good Godly habits perhaps: morning devotions, added church/prayer group visits etc.  The examination of priorities may occur. New commitments are made.  (see One thing is Needful post) Suddenly, prior values don’t hold the same significance anymore.   Prior things that brought temporal satisfaction may even become repulsive. The heart, although in brokenness, seeks comfort in the things of God.  A new way of living begins. Slowly the journey begins to change its course.  Consistent and persistent time spent in the things of God stimulates spiritual birth and growth.  
My chain reference Bible calls this new way of living a “Spiritual Highway”.  Old ways are left behind and new ways are embraced: 

The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: he that keepeth his way preserveth his soul. (Pr. 16:17 KJV)
 
The latter part of the above verse: to remain in this new way of living is to do good to your soul (mind, will, and emotions). 
 
 
Isaiah 35 also makes reference to this highway:
 
A place where one obtains spiritual eyes and ears:
 
…the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. (vs.5)
 
And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; … the redeemed shall walk there (Isa. 35:8-9 KJV)
 
 
Isaiah also provides hints on the advantages that will be gained if continued on this highway (way of life): 
 
No lion shall be there, nor any ravenous beast shall go up thereon, it shall not be found there;  (vs.9)
 
Meaning: Nothing that can make you afraid exists there
 
And the ransomed of the LORD shall return,… with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.
 
There is a promise of joy and gladness and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.  
 
Now, first glance of this passage may lead you to believe that all your tribulations will end as soon as your feet hit this “spiritual highway”. I’ve made some major life style changes, why am I still facing the same difficulties?  Yet such is not the case.  You see I live in New York and I don’t really like the cold, so I like taking trips down south for warmer climates.  Yet as I first embark on this journey, thou I may be on the right road, it will take some time of remaining on this road (enduring the cold), until I begin to experience the expected warm weather.   
 
 
fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross (Heb 12:2 NIV)
 
The term “pioneer” simply means he was among the first to pave the way.  
 
Following his steps and other “cloud of witnesses” who have set up road signs, that is, living examples to follow. The Highway will definitely take you through landmarks marked by previously described Biblical lives and fates. 
 
For instance, through the deserts with David as he cries out to God…
 
As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. (Ps. 42:1 NIV)
 
Or the valleys of battle such as the one he faced with Goliath in the valley of Elah.
 
To the mountain tops of God’s presence with Moses…
 
Then the LORD said to Moses, “Come up to me on the mountain. (Ex. 24:12 NIV)
 
The Bible becomes your road map and your point of reference, providing relevance and purpose to your current situation.  
 
 
We too may become part of this cloud of witnesses.  As we share our experiences of our journey on this highway, we are able to guide others through their struggles and be joyful in their triumphs. 
 
Set up road signs; put up guideposts. Take note of the highway, the road that you take… (Jer. 31:21 NIV)
 
 I recall a brief conversation I had with someone one time and they asked me “how come I can see the way so clearly for someone else, yet have such difficulty seeing too far ahead for myself?”  
Well, that’s because you already went past the journey they are on right now.  You're much farther up ahead on the map.  You know exactly what lies ahead around the bend, and you are able to confidently guide them.  Yet, you are leaning on God for your next steps.  
 
Supporting texts 
 
And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him two. (Matt. 5:41 NKJV)

…since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.  (Heb. 12:1 NIV)
 
 
Stand at the crossroads and look. Ask for the ancient paths: 'Where is the good way?' Then walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.  (Jer. 6:16 BSB)
 
They will ask the way to Zion and turn their faces toward it. They will come and join themselves to the LORD in an everlasting covenant that will never be forgotten. (Jer. 50:5 BSB)

Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. (Psa.  119:105 NIV)
in order that…we too might walk in newness of life. (Rom. 6:4 BSB)