Early in our marriage, my wife Judy would accuse me of purposely hunting for challenging roads. When we were living in another country, I would sometimes see something off in the distance where I wanted to go…and I would just take off heading that way. Even if there wasn’t a good road. Sometimes where there wasn’t any road. To me, it was all about the destination. Seeing something I had never seen before. And most of the time, we were rewarded with something astounding. Has that happened to you?

I had the privilege of getting to know Zig Ziglar, a noted salesman, motivational speaker, and author. And the other day I came across a quote that certainly resonated with me…especially after all the rugged roads I have taken in life. Zig said:

“Difficult roads often lead to beautiful destinations.

The best is yet to come.”

I quickly thought of those many times I headed up mountain roads or across rocky fields and was rewarded with amazing vistas and astounding sights. Of course, not every rough road took us to a great place. There were a lot of U-turns along the way.

Zig Ziglar was talking about more than sightseeing on a vacation. He was teaching life lessons. Reminding us of our Sovereign Lord and how He works in our lives.

Ministry leaders often find themselves on a difficult road. Financial challenges. Personnel issues. Pressure from without and within. It can get rough and seem like we have taken a wrong turn onto a rough road.

Zig Ziglar would often remind people, “There is no elevator to success. You have to take the stairs.”

God’s Word reminds us to persevere even in the midst of trials…or those boulders on our road. The writer of Hebrews gave us this admonition:

For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.

Hebrews 10:36 ESV

Peter wanted his readers to understand that there will be times when patient endurance will be needed.

Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you.

1 Peter 4:12 NLT

Paul also wanted the early Christians to expect rough roads, trials. The apostle encouraged them not to give up or turn back. And on God’s authority, Paul promised them…

At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.

Galatians 6:9 NLT

Are you on a rough road now? Are the trials and challenges tempting you to turn back? That beautiful destination…God’s reward… may be just around the corner. Yes, the best is yet to come.

God’s best,