I really like Australia and at some point, I’d like to spend a few months traveling around this continent, exploring it’s immensity, enjoying the fantastic Aussie people and wonderful beaches! There are really cool places to visit like: Ayers Rock, Tasmania, Perth, the Gold Coast, Sydney, Darwin and heaps more. It’s also important to note that the vast interior of Australia doesn’t have a lot of amenities like roads, airports or travel conveniences.
Consequently, if I were to drive from the east coast of Australia through the interior to the west coast, there are some important things to consider. To begin, it could be a several day journey, as it’s approximately 2300 miles wide. This drive would also require plenty of stocked up provisions like water, fuel, food etc, since much of the interior doesn’t have large population centers, stores nor truck stops. Much of the interior of Australia is considered desert or semi-arid, so it can have some noteworthy challenges in trying to drive through this vast landscape.
When I think about traveling in, around and through Australia, I’m clear that some ways of traveling would take longer and require more planning and preparation. It’s also possible to fly from and to various cities and locations in Australia, which is a much quicker journey than driving. Traveling in Australia kind of makes me think about going on trips with God, because of the variety of ways that God guides our lives and provides for our journey. Sometimes, God can put us on the “fast track” such that we get to destinations or achieve important stuff in speedy mode – like flying from Sydney to Perth in five hours rather than the four-day drive.
I also think that sometimes God takes us on the scenic route in life, such that we get to enjoy incredible experiences, deepen our maturity, strengthen our faith and observe some interesting people and scenery. Similarly, if you were to drive around the coast of Australia, you’d note some incredible landscapes, possibly see some kangaroos and you’d definitely gain a deep appreciation for the immensity and diversity of this incredible continent!
Finally, sometimes we find ourselves walking through tough seasons and experience in life. I’m reminded of what Isaiah says in Isaiah 43:2, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, Nor will the flame burn you.”
Personally, I’d like to avoid or be delivered from going through floods, fires, hardships, intensities, etc. But sometimes when we’re walking with God, we will go through yucky stuff. Just keep walking and keep clinging to God. I heard a preacher once say, “If you’re going through hell, don’t stop!”
As we go through life, we all have difficult stuff. I’d like to be delivered from the difficult stuff and I’d like to go around or avoid hardships. I’m very clear that God can deliver me and help me go around struggles.
In the event that you find yourself going through hardship, pain, fire, floods, struggles, etc.: please remember that God is walking with you and God can be your life preserver, should you be experiencing a flood of hardships. No matter the journey, length or process, let’s keep our hope and focus on God, who is our ultimate help!
