Wednesday June 17, 2026
The Journey Begins
Scripture: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” Genesis 1:1
Reflection: Every journey has a starting point. Rte. 66 in Chicago was that starting point for millions of people. Some were looking for opportunity. Some were looking for a fresh start. Some were just trying to find a better future, but they all shared the fact that they had no idea what lay ahead. Friends, we spend most of our lives wondering what comes next. We wonder about our families, our health, our careers, our relationships, and our future. We want to know where the road is leading and what waits around the next bend. But Genesis takes us back to the One who was there before any road existed at all. The Bible begins with God. Before there was anything, there was God. The opening words of Scripture remind us that God is not reacting or improvising to anything already here. God stands before all things and over all things. That matters because many of us live as though our circumstances are bigger than God. We focus on the diagnosis, the financial struggle, the broken relationship, the unanswered prayer, or the uncertain future. Those things are real and important, but before our problem, there is God. Before our fear, there is God. Before our failure, there is God. Before our doubt, there is God. Genesis also reminds us that creation was intentional. The universe is not an accident. You are not an accident. Scripture tells us that we were created in God’s image. That means every person has dignity, value, and worth. That is important to know because many people define themselves by their mistakes, regrets, labels or by things that were done to them. But Genesis says you are created known and loved by God. Throughout our lives we have failed, doubted, and even walked away from God but again and again God comes looking for us. God came looking for Abraham, Moses, David, the disciples and God comes looking for us. The entire story of the Bible is the story of a God who refuses to stop pursuing the people He loves. The same God who stood at the beginning of creation walks beside you today. The same God who guided His people through deserts, storms, victories, and failures continues to guide us now. Friends, you may not know everything that lies ahead but you can know who travels with you. And when the One who created the road is walking beside you, that is more than enough.
Consider this:
- Are you defining yourself by God’s love or by your failures?
- How have you seen God pursuing you throughout your life?
Prayer: Creator God, Thank You for being present and faithful through every chapter of life. When I become overwhelmed by my circumstances, remind me that You are greater than anything I face. Help me remember that I am created in Your image, loved by Your grace, and held in Your care. Thank You for never abandoning me and for constantly calling me home. Guide my steps this week and keep my eyes fixed on Jesus, the destination of every faithful journey. Amen.