The Journey is the Reward

Last night I spent the evening at an event that honored an individual who has invested his life in his family, his community, and in making a difference in the lives of others.

Doug LaViolette lost his son to a swimming accident when his son was just fifteen years old. In that short life his son Brian was an inspiration to those around him. He was mature, he had big dreams, and he even left behind several inspirational writings. One of which is the phrase… “The Journey is the Reward.”

I don’t believe it is ever God’s desire that a life end so soon. But for Doug and his family the loss of Brian spurred them on to do even greater things. The loss that the enemy designed to destroy has been the very thing that they have used to spur them on to do great things for other people. I’ve been in the LaViolette's home and have seen their memorabilia showcase that displays the items that they collect only to auction off to raise funds for the scholarships that they give away to worthy students to aid them in their education.

Last year Doug was instrumental in bringing the Medal of Honor Convention to Green Bay. This is a national convention that occurs annually and brings together the few living individuals that have been awarded this award that honors the bravest of those involved in combat. Doug spent the better part of two-years devoting his time, energy, and talents in bringing this national event to his hometown. Before he had any idea of how he would fund the huge budget, he was pitching it to the Medal of Honor Committee. Once he had secured the event he went about figuring out how he would raise the necessary funding. He had the vision…he knew it was right…and he went forward in accomplishing it before everything was figured out. He stepped forward in faith….the substance of things hoped for…the evidence of things unseen.

Fortunately…most of us will never experience the loss that the LaViolette family has experienced. But we will all face challenges from the enemy that are designed to destroy us. And sometimes the smaller, incremental attacks end up being harder to deal with than one huge attack. Sometimes the huge attack is so easily recognized as an attack from the enemy that it is easier to launch a counter-attack to turn it around. Yet the smaller incremental attacks can sometimes just wear on us to the point that we just want to give up and give in. This is the point that the enemy wants to bring us to. And this is the very point that we have to guard ourselves against.

It is vital that today you take a survey of your life and your circumstances and note the areas in which you may be feeling vulnerable and under attack. It is time to turn these areas around and use the very things that the enemy designed to destroy you for the glory of God.


Hebrews 11:1 – “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”

Have a blessed day,

RodZ

© 2008 – Rodney Zimmerman – All rights reserved