Sometimes we pray and it seems the heavens are like brass, the shop is closed. But we know from Jesus that the Lord is paying attention. Not a sparrow falls without his notice. He sees us in order to give reward. But was learn from others that have gone before us, that God is not behind the counter ready to dispense answers to prayer. Rather we understand from scripture, and from our own experience, that the Lord is saying, “You will find Me on the journey.”

That was true of Abraham. The Lord said to him, “Go from your country and your kindred’s house to the land that I will show you.” Abram was to learn what God had in store only while on the journey.

That was true of “But Joseph said to them, ‘Do not be afraid! Am I in the place of God? Even though you intended to do harm to me, God intended it for good, in order to preserve a numerous people, as he is doing today. So have no fear; I myself will provide for you and your little ones.’ In this way he reassured them, speaking kindly to them. Gen 50:19-21” Joseph. He trusted God along the journey. Sold into slavery, he was faithful to do his best before the Lord. As a youth, he was put in charge of his master’s household; unjustly hauled off into prison, then eventually put in charge of the entire nation. Joseph learned what God had in store while on the journey—reunited with his brothers decades after they abandoned him and attributing his experience to God’s hand. Often it must have seemed to Joseph the heavens were closed.

Then there was “Exodus 3” Moses that argued, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh, and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” God said, “I will be with you.” The entire account in Exodus and Numbers is the story of how Moses and his people found God on the journey.

Then there is Joshua, Jeremiah, Jonah, and others like David and other judges and kings. Daniel and other prophets and finally the disciples and the Apostle Paul experienced God while on their journeys. We cannot expect anything different. According to “Righteousness (God) will go before him, and will make a path for his steps.” Psalm 85:13 we must be stepping on a journey.

Sometimes God answers prayer directly, but we are more likely to encounter God on the journey. Start or continue your journey at MissionNext. Register or login to discover next steps that are tailored to you.