Psalm 37:5

 5  Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act.

Your destination does not mean that you’ve arrived! Arrival is set for when you meet Jesus face-to-face. It’s what you do in the middle that matters. From the time that I was a child, my wise aunt always said, “The train keeps moving if you’re on it or not so you might as well get on the train.”

I come from a long line of both intellectual and spiritual warriors so this adage stuck with me. Following high school, I climbed aboard and have ridden the rails between vast cotton fields of northeast Louisiana, through bright city lights in the heart of Texas, and on country back porches in the “Heel of the Boot.”

All of these destination stops were God-designed, God-ordained, and God-breathed. Yet the journal was not easy! Through many years of hard work and dedication, I am stepping off my fourth train and looking forward to this next season/destination of life. These trains may have awarded me more credentials and degrees on my “rail ticket” or “life’s passport,” but I’ve gained something more valuable as I watch the train leave the station: contentment, peace, love, joy, appreciation, and servant-leadership.

Simply put, I’ve spent twelve years in post-secondary education…climbing up; can you hear the sound of the train’s whistle as it climbs? Yet, the entire time, God was teaching me to kneel and wash the feet of those He placed in my care. Let’s just say, the ride wasn’t always easy, and some years felt more like a rollercoaster versus a scenic ride through the mountains. Pride’s fuel results in an erratic and unpredictable terrane. Whereas, humility’s fuel brings smooth rides through lush landscapes.

Don’t forget…your destination, wherever you are, is NOT your arrival. These are two separate and distinctly different words. Will there be another train ride? As my wise aunt stated, “That depends on the Conductor [Jesus Christ]. He has delivered you [and all of us] through all the high mountains, low valleys, deep waters, and stormy weather. So whatever He plans for your life, we trust in His direction for your future.”

As I turn and wave goodbye to this faithful ride, I never want to forget the sounds of the wheels that remind me of the roughness of life. The “clickety-clack” is a constant reminder that we will face MANY trials in this life, but we are to consider them PURE JOY for the testing of your faith produces perseverance [James 1:1-3]. I want to hear the blast of the train’s whistle one more time, which reminds me that Jesus will send out his angels with a LOUD trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other [Matthew 24:31]; therefore, we must be intentional about sharing and SHOWING the gospel EVEN outside the walls of the church. Finally, I want to hear the roar of the engine, which reminds me that when God is in control of YOUR vessel…NOTHING can stop you because even the winds and waves obey Him [Matthew 8:24-27].

God has a high-level view of your life! As I walked away from my final train station, He allowed me to see that all four stations represented His Son, Jesus Christ. Isn’t that what it’s all about anyway?! Therefore, wherever you are, please be encouraged!

(1) God may be telling you to get on the train (whatever that train represents for you). Remember, “The train keeps moving if you’re on it or not!” Where might the Lord want to “take” you next in your spiritual journey. Time to let go and climb aboard!

(2) He may also be trying to fill you with courage to leave the station and finally begin your new journey/destination. You weren’t meant to stay at the station forever. It’s time to go make an impact for Him. Get off the bench; pick up your bags, and make the first step. He will honor your faithfulness.

(3) He may be trying to OPEN your eyes to your surroundings and others and stop focusing on life’s negativities. Again, wherever you are, I can guarantee you one thing…He will always be with you!

In the last year and a half, we have seen extreme suffering and loss. The world AND OUR neighbors are hurting. Don’t let the enemy stifle God’s purpose for your life. You have a choice. Let today be your day to make an impact for the Kingdom.

Goodbye for now faithful engine…

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

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