Crossing the Jordan

Editorial by Elisa Maragoto 

Reaching a destination requires a journey. In the journey of life, we have been promised a destination—a place where the flowers always bloom and the trees never die. 

The journey may lead to bitter waters, where reproach and complaint can wither a soul, only to realize that life’s tests are a requirement for the journey. Yet, complete obedience yields the sweetest of blessings.

When the journey takes away all we have set our security on, when human provision fails and when the focus is on the present inconveniences, doubt can take over. Keeping our eyes on the destination does not remove perplexity, fear or, at times, unbelief. The promised destination does not take away that in this journey we will face hardship, scarcity, sickness, loss, betrayal and even death.

The journey’s difficulties are necessary to meet the promised destination. It is only through life’s challenges, disappointments and privations that discipline is forged, endurance built and the thought that we walk alone dissipates as we go forward and see that the Invisible is visible.

If life’s hurdles did not come our way, in the journey we call life, heaven would not hold its value, mercy would not have meaning and forgiveness would be unnecessary. The journey simply requires belief, trust and remaining faithful until the end. 

We are steps away from crossing the Jordan into the Promised Land. The destination will make the journey all worthwhile. Can you see it? Across the horizon is a place, and the place holds a promise: “God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away” (Rev. 21:4, KJV).

Indeed, reaching a destination requires a journey.

Elisa Maragoto is the school superintendent for the New Jersey Conference.