Roadblocks show up periodically in life. They make us stop, evaluate and possible change course. They are almost always unwelcome and frustrating. I have learned to look at them as an opportunity.
About a month ago, I was headed to western Minnesota to speak at a women’s conference. For me, it was about a two hour drive. It turned out to be rather nerve racking, and the last mile or so was met by snow drift after snow drift. They were so deep in the right lane that the only tracks were far to the left. Each one required that I slow down, look at my options, plan my attach and then accelerate through the drift to avoid getting stuck.
The last one was the largest was taller than my Rogue in my lane. As I approached, I began to wonder how to get past it. It was right before the parking lot that I needed to get to. I was out in farm country. There wasn’t a side road to take and drive around. Then I saw, way over to the left, tracks from a larger truck that had made it through. Hoping my wheelbase would line up enough, I took a deep breath and went for it.
Show me your ways, Lord,
teach me your paths.
5 Guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my Savior,
and my hope is in you all day long. (Psalm 25:4-5 NIV)
When there is a roadblock in front of me, my first instinct is to blow through it. That’s not alway the best idea. The car behind me got stuck in the drift. Taking time to pause, listen for God’s guidance and then make the next move often ensures a better outcome.
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5-7NIV).
There have been times when I have trusted the nudge of God, and changed course without full understanding of why. Those nudges have never been wrong. I have learned to trust the roadblocks. I trust that it is time to slow down and lean into God. I need to listen for the nudges to know the best way forward. It may be continuing straight, or it may be time to veer right or left.
How do you deal with roadblocks? Do they frustrate you? Do you lean into God and listen? Share your experience here and breathe life and bring hope to others.