We all have witnessed some kind of roadblock while driving. There are roadblocks set up to stop drunk drivers from getting any further down the road. Also, most of us have seen a roadblock due to flood waters from a heavy rain. We know with all the rain we have had in Tennessee lately, there were many roads that had to be blocked. Sadly though, we also saw the news where people did not heed the warnings of the roadblock and were swept away or had to be rescued. Roadblocks are put in our way for a reason. I believe there is a great spiritual lesson to learn here.
When we see roadblocks, some wonder, “How can we get around it?” Sometimes we insist on doing things that we think are best for us, but they really aren’t. I remember growing up, there was a road on my way home that was covered in water after a heavy rain, and they had it blocked. I had to turn around and go about 15 miles out of my way to get home. I was not a happy camper. Basically, I didn’t get to do what I wanted, which was be home in 3 minutes. Those barrels were placed there for a reason, and the only trouble it caused was an extra 15 minutes on my drive time. That roadblock probably saved my life. But was I thinking that at the time?
I want you to think about this. When it comes to roadblocks, what is God protecting us from? He protects us not only from evil in this world around us but even from ourselves. God may use certain things in our life as roadblocks or warnings to guide us along our journey. Sometimes things just don’t seem to go right no matter what we do. Everything just seems in a disarray. Have you ever thought maybe this is God attempting to detour you back onto the path He has intended for you? Do we refuse to hear the truth because we want something so badly to the point that we stop hearing His direction?
God knows you better than you know yourself. He knows what lies ahead for you. You can know that God wants to guide you where you need to be and when you need to be there. A great verse is, “Show me the right path, O LORD; point out the road for me to follow. Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you” (Psalm 25:4-5). God sees what is ahead in our lives. Have you ever thought He could be preventing us from doing something we will regret? He could know that there will be sadness or despair should we choose to go through that roadblock He has placed in our path. All these questions need personal examination. But, unfortunately, if we insist on going past God’s roadblocks, we could reap the consequences of our choice. Friend, again, He does not want that.
God only wants to keep you on the right path. He is not here to hinder you; He is here to assist you in knowing what road to take. Why are people not listening? Turning everything over to God personally gives me peace and a calmness I have never felt. I feel safe knowing who has my hand. Yes, I make mistakes, but in my Christian journey I have learned I cannot do this life alone, nor do I want to.
So, the next time there is a roadblock, turn to your personal tour guide, God, and He will direct your ways. Nahum 1:7 says, “The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and He knows those who trust in Him.” Don’t push through into dangerous waters. Stop and ask yourself, “What’s God protecting me from?” Is what’s beyond the roadblock worth the loss, the pain, or the suffering? Turn to God before it’s too late. He is waiting for you.