Luke 24:13
Now that same day, two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. 14 They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. 15 As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along the way with them; 16 but they were kept from recognizing him.
Additional Scripture References:
Luke 24:28-29; 24:30; 24:31; 24:32; 24:33, 35; Genesis 25:23; 28:16; 32:1-2; 32:27; Psalm 120-134 Songs of Ascents; John 2:1; 2:5 ; 2:6-9; 12-13; 14:6
Sometimes we’re so focused on getting there—reaching the promise, the breakthrough, or the next stage of life—that we miss what God is doing along the way. Think about the road to Emmaus, the journey of Jacob, or even the long drives to Disney as a kid. Each reminds us that the process isn’t just preparation; it’s where transformation happens. The same Jesus we’re desperate to meet at the finish line is often walking with us in the detours, the waiting rooms, and the long in-between. The question is, are we paying enough attention to see Him?
If you don’t learn to be happy here, you’ll never be happy when you get there.
Many of us focus on the final destination. When I get married… when I finally complete my education… when I land the dream job… then I’ll finally be happy. But our minds often live in only two places: “Here” and “There.” God wants us to embrace the joy found in the journey, not just when we arrive. Jacob’s life models this beautifully. He didn’t meet God at the finish line; he encountered Him on the way. He developed a relationship with God while working for Laban. He discovered God as a defender when facing Esau. And ultimately, he received a revelation of his identity and who he truly was in Christ.
When we think of miracles, we imagine dramatic moments. But in John 2, the water didn’t instantly become wine in front of a crowd. It changed somewhere on the way to the table. Transformation happened in motion. The same was true for the disciples. Jesus walked with them for miles before they realized who He was. The miracle wasn’t just what happened at the table; it was the fact that they weren’t alone on the road. Often, we don’t need Jesus to “show up.” We need to recognize He’s already here. You’re not waiting for the miracle to fall from the sky; you’re walking with the Miracle Worker.
We serve a Savior who walks with us in the middle of the journey, not just at the end of it. Whether you feel stuck, in between, or still believing for a breakthrough, the good news is that you’re not alone. The miracle is in motion. The joy is rising. Jesus is not waiting for you to have it all together. He’s walking with you right now. And if He’s here, then you’re already there.
You don’t have to wait to arrive to experience joy, breakthrough, or purpose. The presence of Jesus means the process is already sacred. This week, shift your posture from waiting to walking. Worship Him not for what’s next, but for who He is right now.
As you reflect on Sunday’s message, here are some guided prayers and scriptures you can use over the next week.If you're looking for ways to grow deeper in this specific area, let these words cover, challenge, and encourage you along the way.
Prayer for Joy while you wait
God, I don’t want to rush past the beauty of today. Teach me to find joy on the way, to sing before I arrive, to worship before I win, to thank You before I see the full picture.
The joy of the Lord is my strength. Nehemiah 8:10
Prayer for Faith in the Unknown
Lord, even when I don’t see the miracle yet, I choose to trust that You’re working behind the scenes. Give me faith to keep walking, strength to keep carrying what’s heavy, and hope it’s already turning in Your hands.
We walk by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7
Prayer for Contentment without Complacency
Holy Spirit, help me be fully present where I am without losing sight of where You’re leading me. Don’t let me idolize “there” or get stuck in “here”. Teach me to walk with You daily and become who You’ve called me to be.
I have learned the secret of being content in every situation. - Philippians 4:12
Prayer for Awareness of Jesus in the Journey
Jesus, don’t let me miss You because I’m looking too far ahead. Wake me up to Your presence today. I don’t want to rush past the miracle because I failed to recognize you as the Miracle Worker walking beside me.
Surely the Lord is in this place, and I was not aware of it. Genesis 28:16
If someone in your Crew needs care, we want to come alongside you. Our Care Response Team is designed to equip you to walk with people in different seasons of their life.Our team is committed to celebrating life’s best moments with you and offering support through its hardest ones.We would love to come around you for the following life events:
+ Marriages
+ Births
+ Deaths
+ Hospitalizations/Illness
Please submit a request at vouschurch.com/requestcare
Serve Day is happening Saturday, July 12th, and we want to get ALL of our crews involved in loving our city so please sign your crew up for a Serve Day project! To see the projects and sign up, please click here! Please have your form in by Wednesday, July 2nd.
When: Saturday, July 12th
Where: All VOUS Locations
Time: 10:00 AM
We are having baptisms this Sunday, July 27th, across all of our locations, and on the beach.
To sign up for baptisms, please click here.
VOUS High Camp is happening July 22–25 in St. Petersburg, FL. A four-day experience for students in 6th–12th grade to grow in faith, build friendships, and have a blast. Camp includes worship, games, lodging, meals, merch, and transportation.
To sign up for VOUS High Camp, click here.
Join us for a powerful night designed just for college students and young adults. VCOM PM Chapel is where faith and community collide — a space to encounter God, connect with others, and be stirred in your calling in the community and culture of VOUS College.
To RSVP, click here.
When: Thursday, July 17th
Where: VOUS Design District
Time: 7:30 PM
Address: 77 NE 40th St, Miami, FL, 33137
VOUS SoMi
8:45AM / 10:30AM / 12:30PM / 6PM
VOUS City
10:30AM / 12:30PM / 6PM
VOUS Miami Gardens
8:45AM / 10:30AM / 12:30PM
VOUS Design District
10:30AM / 12:30PM
Church Online
10:30AM / 12:30PM / 5PM Español
Growth Track
After every service or join online at vouschurch.com/growthtrack