For the journey of faith there's only one road you must follow. You may encounter detours, or face deep valleys, often being challenged by a difficult climbing also. Still, it's just one way; there is none other, and there's no turning back!
Such adventure can be satisfying in spite of inevitable difficulties along the way. Like any other trip, this one will lead to the destination only to the extent you periodically check the map, both to know what is ahead as well as to determine how to get there.
Christ has promised all His followers to be with them always, never leaving nor forsaking them at any point. What better company and guide could one ever ask for?
The trouble is that many pilgrims would rather do their own thing along the way, often preferring side trips into dangerous roads which may lead nowhere, or which may lead to disaster. Such distractions will simply retard one's progress, thus depriving the traveler from the full enjoyment and total satisfaction which are part of the journey.
However, if you are guided by Christ, don't expect His presence by your side if and when you deviate from His ways and disregard the directives He has already provided concerning this journey. The greatest distresses Christians will ever experience in this life, often come when they momentarily detach themselves from the guide, giving heed to allurements which would inevitably hinder their individual progress. Or they may become prematurely discouraged by unexpected barriers and other inevitable difficulties along the way.
Such journey is no different from the one already experienced by Christ, the Savior; it is the via crucis - the way of the cross. And such is the road leading to eternal life, the way that takes one home!