Dear Friends,
Greetings in the Lord. We hope and pray you are well and the Lord is keeping you in perfect peace. This month, we find ourselves continuing our Gospel Expeditions through the Arctic region, now near the Russian border. The stark beauty of these remote landscapes reminds us of God’s majesty and faithfulness as we share His Word with those who live in these challenging environments. Alongside these missions, we are hard at work preparing new episodes for release—stories that will inspire and ignite a passion for missions in viewers around the world. Looking ahead, we are excited for upcoming journeys to the Middle East and Africa, where we anticipate incredible opportunities to share the Good News. As always, your steadfast prayers and support are vital to sustaining this mission. Please continue to stand with us in prayer for open doors, open hearts, and divine guidance as we press forward into these regions. Together, we can reach every tribe, tongue, and nation for Christ!
This month, we would like to share a message called — Staying the Course
In our walk as Christians we often encounter challenges that test our resolve and shake our confidence. Yet, as believers, we are called to persevere, to stay the course even when the path seems uncertain or the odds appear stacked against us. This steadfastness is not about stubbornness or blind faith, but rather about trusting in God's wisdom and timing, even when our limited understanding fails us.
Embracing Uncertainty with Faith
Life is full of uncertainties, and we often make decisions based on incomplete information, leading to unexpected outcomes. However, this uncertainty should not paralyze us or cause us to doubt God's plan. Instead, it should draw us closer to Him, seeking His guidance and wisdom. As Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight." This scripture emphasizes that while our understanding is limited, God's wisdom is infinite. By embracing uncertainty with faith, we open ourselves to God's guidance and allow Him to direct our paths.
Learning from Outcomes, Not Just Results
In our walk with God, it's crucial to understand that favorable outcomes don't always indicate righteous decisions, just as unfavorable results don't necessarily mean we've strayed from God's path. The Apostle Paul's life is a testament to this truth. Despite facing persecution, imprisonment, and hardship, Paul remained steadfast in his mission to spread the gospel. "We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed" — 2 Corinthians 4:8-9. Paul's unwavering faith teaches us that the true measure of our decisions lie not in immediate results, but in our faithfulness to God's calling.
Power of Prayer
Prayer is an essential lifeline for believers striving to stay the course. It is through prayer that we draw near to God, seek His will, and find the strength to persevere through trials. When life becomes overwhelming, prayer anchors us in God’s presence, reminding us that we are not alone and that He is always faithful. Jesus Himself modeled the importance of prayer during His earthly ministry. In the Garden of Gethsemane, facing the agony of the cross, He prayed fervently: "Father, if You are willing, take this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done" — Luke 22:42. This moment demonstrates how prayer aligns our hearts with God's will, even when obedience is costly. Throughout Scripture, we see how prayer sustained God’s people in their darkest moments. King Hezekiah, upon receiving a dire threat from his enemies, went to the temple and laid the letter before the Lord, praying for deliverance (Isaiah 37:14-15). His example reminds us to bring our burdens directly to God, trusting Him to intervene. Likewise, Daniel's unwavering commitment to prayer—even when it meant facing the lions' den—demonstrates how consistent communion with God strengthens us to stand firm against opposition (Daniel 6:10). Paul exhorted believers to "pray without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17), encouraging a continual awareness of God's presence and dependence on Him. Prayer is not merely a list of requests but an act of surrender and trust. It allows us to exchange our anxieties for God's peace: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God... will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" — Philippians 4:6-7. Persistent prayer also reminds us that delays are not denials. Daniel prayed for understanding for 21 days before receiving an answer because of spiritual resistance (Daniel 10:12-13). This teaches us that unseen battles may accompany our prayers and encourages us to persevere until breakthrough comes. In staying the course, prayer becomes more than a practice—it is a declaration of dependence on God. It strengthens our faith, aligns us with His purposes, and equips us with divine power to endure. As we persist in prayer, we draw closer to Him and find the strength needed to continue running the race set before us. Let us commit to a life of prayer, confident that it is through this sacred connection that we find strength for every step of our journey.
Victory Through Staying the Course
Staying the course in faith is not just about enduring trials—it is about experiencing the victory that comes from trusting God through every season of life. Scripture reminds us that the ultimate victory has already been won through Christ: “For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.” — 1 John 5:4. When we persevere, we live out this victory, overcoming sin, fear, and the challenges of life through faith in Jesus. The Apostle Paul exemplifies this triumph, declaring at the end of his life: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” — 2 Timothy 4:7. His perseverance led to a crown of righteousness, a reward promised to all who remain faithful to God’s calling. Similarly, Jesus assures us in John 16:33: “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” This victory is not just for eternity but for every trial we face today.
Victory through perseverance also manifests in our spiritual growth and maturity. As James writes: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” — James 1:2-4. Through steadfastness, we are refined and strengthened, becoming more like Christ. Ultimately, staying the course leads to eternal rewards. Jesus promises: “But the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.” — Matthew 24:13. This assurance reminds us that perseverance is not only beneficial in this life but also has eternal implications. By staying the course, we triumph in any situation through Christ who gives us strength (Philippians 4:13).
At Travel the Road we have been staying the course to what the Lord has called us to. Since 1998, God has faithfully guided us through over 155 countries to preach the Gospel. This mission has taken us to deserts, jungles, frozen tundras, and bustling cities—all places where His light shines brightest in the darkness. Your prayers and support have been a cornerstone of Travel the Road from the very beginning, enabling us to continue carrying out the Great Commission and staying the course in God’s calling for our lives. We are so blessed and so very thankful for all you do. We ask you to stand with us as we move forward into new territories—whether it’s the Arctic region today or Africa tomorrow—knowing that together, we are sowing seeds of eternal impact for His Kingdom. Thank you for your faithful prayers and loving support. The best is truly yet to come! Peace be with you.
In Him,
Tim and Will