Go the Distance

In the middle of my favorite movie, Field of Dreams, the character Ray hears a message: “Go the Distance.” Accompanying him is retired author and reclusive, Terrance Mann. Terrance at first denies hearing the message only to admit later that he has shared the vision with Ray. For me there are many parallels in the meaning of “go the distance” and my journey of transformation. I am fortunate that others have shared the message, the vision, and the journey with me.  I’m blessed that others waited for me to hear the message.

When Ray and Terrance Mann commit to a journey of discovery neither of them know exactly what they are looking for or where the road will take them. I think that is true for a journey of change or recovery. Often we have to step out in faith, united with those that have gone before or those that are willing to nudge us to where God is leading. I know for me that I have to surround myself with people of faith that will help me to find my way. I need friends who are willing to go the distance with me. 

  

I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. (Philippians 3:12, NLT)

My journey over the years has been full of fits and starts; misfits and failures, screw-ups and bad choices. But my journey also includes second chances, success, right choices, and redemption.  

Press on to the goal. Perfection is out of our reach but having the courage to constantly move forward, and to come closer to having our defects of character removed is something to work toward. In the remainder of the verse (3:12-21) Paul attempts to strengthen the faith of those listening to grow and to let the past be in the past. Paul talks about his desire to reach the end of the race and to receive the gift from God.  He advises that we should follow good examples and pattern our life after people who have let go and who trust in the Lord to change them. 

Go the distance—See it through—to what God has in store. 

I have a wonderful friend who didn’t think she could see it through. The pain was too much. The old tapes kept playing. She was coming to believe that it was better to give in than go through. Yet somewhere in her heart God whispered to her to hang on—to go the distance. And she did. It was not easy. She didn’t do it herself. She drew on every resource possible to try one last time. And God heard her cries. He provided the resources she needed to make it through. Her friends and family encouraged her.  Today she is on the other side of the insurmountable pain she felt. Her world is not perfect by any means. But she went the distance and today has hope for a new future—a future with love and life. 

I encourage you to see it through. GO THE DISTANCE. Let God take you through the fire and out the other side. Let the refiner’s fire reshape you and your world. And if someone you know is feeling hopeless, go the distance with them. Share your story. Share your redemption. Share your blessings and keep doing it until they get through the other side. You will both be amazed by what might happen!!

Worry weighs a person down;   an encouraging word cheers a person up. (Proverbs 12:25)