Rough Road Ahead

One of the aspects of my work I enjoy the most is getting to visit each of the schools in our district.  Putnam County is a large district with three very distinct areas. I so enjoy driving out to the west and south end of our county. It is very rural and most beautiful. I am always blessed by the landscape of the seasons as I drive.

On one trip, I found myself on a highway that was being resurfaced. Thankfully, there were no workmen on the road to stop traffic, but there was an electronic flashing sign with the words “Rough Road Ahead”.

What a warning for drivers! The road was indeed rough and bumpy where the workers had removed the old asphalt and left the surface rough to accept the new paving.

Driving into town, I kept thinking about that sign. We go through periods in our lives that we can see the sign flashing “Rough Road Ahead”. Situations arise that we know will be rocky and difficult to navigate. Illness, divorce, death of a family member or friend, financial loss, broken promises, and broken dreams are all rough roads we may travel.

What do we do when we see that flashing sign in our life? We need to do what I did on Highway 100.  Reduce your speed and you slow down. The Bible offers many scriptures to remind us to go slow, wait patiently and to be still. Traveling fast on a rough road can lead to tragedy. One of my greatest faults is that the greater the stress in my life, the faster I begin to move. I could write pages of examples of the negative consequences of reacting and moving quickly during a stressful time rather than waiting on God.

After slowing down, seek the purpose of the rough road experience. The road was made rough so that it could be improved. God is a sovereign God. We do not stumble onto rough roads, we are directed to them. Ask God what He wants to do in your heart while traveling the rough road. Grumbling and complaining does not make the ride any smoother. (I can testify to this point.) God can provide instruction, correction and direction while you travel this road.

Finally, keep the end result in mind. Highway 100 now has a new smooth surface. The “Rough Road Ahead” sign has been removed. Perhaps God  has needed to do some roadwork in your life. He certainly has resurfaced much of my heart and it is now more aligned to His will than mine. Although I am traveling on smooth surfaces right now, I know that flashing sign will show up again in my life. The Bible tells us to expect trouble. How we respond to that trouble is critical to the end result.

Is there a flashing “ Rough Road Ahead” sign in your life at this moment?  How are you responding? Do you need to slow down? Can you see God’s hand in this project? Can you see what the end results might be? Are there areas in your life that need to be roughed up and resurfaced with God’s abundant love and grace?

You can trust God to do awesome work in your life. You will not be disappointed in the end result. Slow down, seek His purpose and keep the end result in mind.

Psalm 27:14

Wait on the Lord, be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart; wait, I say on the Lord.

Psalm 40:1

I waited patiently for the Lord and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.