Recently I was driving back home from Georgia when that Beatles song, The Long and Winding Road, came to my mind. But when the Beatles wrote it, I don’t believe they were thinking about the same road I was traveling.
On my long and winding road, known as Interstate 85, I encountered a variety of things. Like trucks. Lots and lots and lots of trucks! At times those big rigs had me boxed in! It was not a comfortable feeling in a small sedan. I felt like an ant surrounded by big dogs that could squash me at any minute!
Then there was the heavy traffic where I could only creep along inch by inch. I also encountered a couple of accidents, the cause of this creeping traffic. When I saw the devastation, I was very thankful that I was not involved. It made me stop and count my blessings and pray for those who were.
Of course, there were plenty of road repairs too. You know what happens with road repairs. The speed limit drops and the fines for speeding go up! So, slow down! Right?
But then there were those very pleasant times when traffic was light and the weather was good! Everything was smooth sailing! No matter what I encountered, I had the faith that eventually I would reach my destination.
Isn’t life like a long and winding road?
Aren’t there times when we feel there is no way to change our situation?
It’s like being boxed in by big trucks. But suddenly one of the trucks will move and you can slip through the space and pick up speed. The Lord will do the same. He will suddenly make an open door for you to slip through changing your situation.
I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it;
for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name. Revelation 3:8
Then there are the traffic jams of life.
You know those times when we feel we are moving far slower than we would like? Just like in a traffic jam, fatigue and frustration set in as we slowly creep forward waiting for things to pick up. In those times, if we wait on the Lord He will come through.
Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart;
Wait, I say, on the Lord! Psalm 27:14
How about times when we need to slow down and repair mistakes in our lives?
The result of not taking the time to contemplate our mistakes and adjust our lives can be costly like the higher cost of speeding by road repairs.
He who covers his sins will not prosper,
But whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy. Proverbs 28:13
Ahh! Then there are my favorite times; times of smooth sailing!
Wouldn’t it be nice to have only pleasant times of smooth sailing? Then again, if we never encountered the obstacles in life, how would we ever grow?
My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,
knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. James 1:2-4
So, when we feel we are in an unchangeable situation, stuck in the traffic jam of life or need to repair mistakes, don’t worry! God still has a plan for us, (Jeremiah 29:11), and He will still use all of these things for our good, (Romans 8:28). Whatever we encounter on our long road, our loving God will be with us and see us through, (Deuteronomy 31:8).
But there is one more thing to consider as we travel the long and winding road;
WHO IS DRIVING?
Let’s face it. It is much more frustrating to encounter obstacles when driving than when you are the passenger. Wouldn’t you agree?
As we travel the long and winding road of life, consider letting God be the driver. After all, who could be a better driver than someone who loves us so much that He sacrificed His only son for our lives? When we have the faith to let God be in control of the driving, He will be our GPS and lead the way.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6
When we are riding with God at the wheel, we will overcome any obstacle, arrive safely at His destination for us and have a more pleasant trip.
REFLECTION
Who is driving you along the long and winding road of your life?
PRAYER
Heavenly Father as I write Proverbs 3:5-6 and say it aloud, help me to allow you to be the driver of my life. As I encounter obstacles, strengthen my faith to patiently wait on You and to repair my mistakes. Help me to remember that Your love for me is so great that You will make the way. In Jesus name, Amen.
IN FAITH, LET GOD BE THE DRIVER OF YOUR LIFE
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May your day be filled with love and laughter!
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Winding road photo by Jacob Kiesow, unsplash
Traffic photo by Patrick Sommer, pixabay
Boats photo by Karla Car, unsplash
Dog photo of Cocoa courtesy of Kat & JR
