A Man for the Journey

Scripture: Romans 8:28

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God and are the called according to his purpose

Introduction

Has there ever been a time when you felt you were not able to go on? Those were times you felt so frustrated that no matter how much effort you expended it appeared it was useless? Many believers feel this way at one time or another, but usually regroup after prayer. The power of the Holy Spirit energizes and inspires them to continue. With God's help they get faith for the journey. African-American men have been on a long journey in this nation. For most of our time in America our people have been led by Black men, who have overcome many obstacles to lead us to our present state. African-American men have made great achievements over the years despite hindrances. Depending upon who is asked, what hinders men differs. Men may cite the lack of opportunity, job skills and access to power. Women may have a different view. Black men have made remarkable accomplishments over the years, despite a history of deprivation, slavery, racism and denial of equal opportunity. These accomplishments have been made despite adverse circumstances over the years. Today, we look back over the years and we also look ahead. The future for Black men is only limited by our ability to see beyond any obstacle and discern that God has planned for the renewal, restoration, preservation and elevation of our race and gender. If we watch our television every day we can watch the presidential election and see a new sense of pride in African-American men. Black men who want to achieve should seek God and he will send them answers. They should not be deterred and God will show them a way! As Christians, we rejoice in the knowledge that God helps us overcome obstacles. He works everything to our advantage whether it is good or bad; it will all work to our good if we continue to trust him.

Exposition

This text finds Paul explaining to the Romans the nature of the Christian experience as it relates to setbacks and persecutions on life’s journey. He explained to the Romans that the entire life of man is a suffering experience designed to move him toward a glorious end which is in heaven. The entire 8th Chapter of Romans, believed by some to be one of the most inspirational books of the bible, focuses on the Christian’s need to be guided by the spirit. It is the spirit of God that will guide and keep us, despite the frailty of the human flesh and will. Paul notes that we should concentrate on the end, rather than the means of any experience. The central thought of this text verse is that we should focus on the outcome of a matter rather than the troubling details of the moment. This powerfully short verse, when coupled with the rest of the 8th Chapter suggests that the Christian should approach each event of life looking at the end rather than the means, confident that as long as he is guided by the spirit of God that all things would work "together" for his good and he will eventually profit from every situation not matter how frustrating in appears at the moment. For men, it means that no matter how difficult our struggle, God will make it worth our while, in the end.

God Will work It Out

Black men have fought tremendous battles to reach our present place in the world. We have not fully attained all that we should have, but we are all on our way. Much has been placed against us, but God has worked it out for us. That’s why the scripture keeps reminding us that "All things" work to the good of those who are called to God's purpose. He will work out to our advantage no matter how bad it seems. Slavery, ignorance, poverty and lack of opportunity have been the main hindrances to the achievement of African-American men. Yet, despite these obstacles, however, African-American men have excelled. God is working it out; so we should not give up the journey.

Look at our history.

Frederick Douglass was not hindered by the circumstance of slavery. He arose from slavery to become a great abolitionist, news paper publisher, statesman and politician. The peculiar institution of slavery threatened him but did not hinder him. It haunted him but it did not stop him from achieving excellence. Booker T. Washington spent his life fighting ignorance. A former slave, he challenged the notion that blacks could not achieve and established Tuskegee Institute to promote higher learning for Blacks. God worked it out Ray Charles and Stevie Wonder represent extremely talented African-American men who were not hindered by circumstance. Both born blind, they achieved greatness in the area of music creativity in their respective generations. God worked it out. Barack Obama was born to mixed parents and grew up like most of us, but right now he is poised to possibly become the next president of the United States.

Don't give up the journey

Like Paul there are many men who have worked to help build the church. These are the men who have rolled up their sleeves and led the church in giving, worship and service. Even though it has been many, many years, they have been frustrated along the way but committed to making the journey by faith. Like Paul, I can hear them say, “I wouldn’t take nothing for my journey now!” What have men in this church been doing all these years? Some have lifted their voices as members of choirs, others have washed pots and mopped floors, but still they proclaim –“I wouldn’t take nothing for my journey now!” Some have preached and others have licked stamps, folded envelopes and passed out programs. Some have given their last dollar and others have given until they felt the pain, but still they proclaim, “I wouldn’t take nothing for my journey now!” Some have emptied trash cans, others have stood behind television cameras, snapped pictures, worked with youth, or just been in the midst of the saints for moral support. All have one thing in common. They all say, “I wouldn’t take nothing for my journey now.” We all say, “I’ve come too far to turn around.” Some have been on the journey longer than others, but they wouldn’t take nothing for their journey. Some here can remember walking to church on country roads, trying to keep cool while fanning hot air! Somebody remembers a time before there was central heating and air, when the entire church was heated by huge space heaters that drove away the cold until the spirit warmed up the church!-We’ve come so far to turn back now! Somebody remembers a time before Kurt Franklin, John Pee Kee and Donnie McKurklin. There was a time folks used to sing without music and instruments. Some old sister would sing, “I love the Lord he heard my cry. Long as I live while trouble rise I’ll hasten to his throne.” We’ve come a long ways, but I wouldn’t take nothing for my journey now!

Look to the future

Believers should be encouraged when they look to the future; God has great plans for his church and its individual congregations.

There is trouble all around us, but we can see a day coming in the kingdom of God when there will truly be peace on earth. There is hardship and difficulty now, but we can see the day coming when crying days will be over.

Every believer should also say in his heart that God has great rewards in store for us. “Eye hath not seen nor has it entered into the hearts of man” to even imagine the great things that lie ahead for us.

God needs good men

Finally, brothers and sisters, we must consider that there is only one thing better than a real man and that is a good man in Godly hands. When a real man puts his hands in God's hand there is not limit to what he can achieve on his life's journey. We need only to look at the journey of other saints for confirmation.

Elijah was a good man. By any standard, he was a real man. He was strong, independent and courageous. But he was more than just a man; he was a good man in God's hands! Abraham was a good man, but when he put his trust in God and moved at his command, he was a good man in God's hands!

Jacob was a good man. He prospered with material wealth and became respected as a man with a head for business. But one night he wrestled with the Lord and refused to let him go. From that night forward, he was a good man in God's hands!

David was a good. He was a great leader and military strategist. But one day he realized his own vulnerability and said, "Create in me a clean heart oh God and renew in me a right spirit." he was a good man in God's hands!

A good man in God's hands is a powerful man because God guides him on his journey!

A good man in God's hands is an influential man because God controls him!

A good man in God's hands is an effective man because God directs him

As men go forward in the world we should always remember to take the Lord with us!

If you take the Lord with you, your greatest enemies can be conquered!

If you take the Lord with you, your greatest obstacles can be overcome!

If you take the Lord with you, your gravest doubts can be overcome!

If you take the Lord with you, your heaviest burdens can be lifted!

If you take the Lord with you, your highest mountains can be climbed!

If you want to make this journey, you’ve got to stand on the Lord'' side; you got to walk with the King!

Storms may rise, but you've got to walk with the King!

Winds may blow, but you've got to walk with the King!

All along this tedious journey, tell the world, I’ve got to walk with the King!

Walk with Jesus, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords! Jesus, who died out on Calvary!

Jesus, who arose Early Sunday morning!

Jesus, who is alive today! On your journey, keep your hand in God's hand and walk with the King!