Streams and Pathways

If asked, we all would likely report a preference for experiencing spiritual growth through times of great health, peace and prosperity.   Unfortunately, this is not the typical model.  When all is going well and success is found in every endeavor, the perceived need for God lessens or disappears.  Or, perhaps even more dangerously, our theology is remolded into a faith that assumes a positive correlation between the maturity of our faith and the earthly blessings we experience.

In his book, Shattered Dreams, Larry Crabb writes that "shattered dreams open the door to better dreams, dreams that we do not properly value until the dreams that we improperly value are destroyed.  Shattered dreams destroy false expectation, such as the "victorious" Christian life with no real struggle or failure.  They help us discover true hope.  We need the help of shattered dreams to put us in touch with what we most long for, to create a felt appetite for better dreams.  And living for the better dreams generates a new, unfamiliar feeling that we eventually recognize as joy." (p. 35)

But how do we survive the experience of having our dreams shattered?

In Isaiah 43: 19 God says, “I am about to do a brand new thing!  Streams of living water in the wasteland and pathways through the wilderness.” 

On March 26 - 27, 2010, The Journey will host a two day retreat called Streams and Pathways.

The focus of “Streams and Pathways” is to allow God to shape these “streams of living water and pathways through the wilderness” in our lives. “Streams and Pathways” is designed to allow us time to listen, to notice the movements of God in our lives. We will be working through a variety of spiritual practices in order to allow us time to hear God’s still, small voice. As we experience these practices we will have an opportunity to draft a rule of life - a pattern of spiritual practices that provides structure and direction for growth in holiness. The rule of life offers unique and regular rhythms that free and open each person to the will and presence of Christ. The journey allows us a way to partner with the Holy Spirit for personal transformation. We invite you to journey with us.