Orange Construction Cones
Is it just me, or does it seem that some highways and roads are in a perpetual state of construction. Everywhere we drive, we encounter signs and orange cones alerting us to construction zones, dangerous construction areas, safety zones, new or temporary driving patterns, detours and closed roads. In some places, it seems as if the orange cones are as permanent as the landscape alongside the road. I wish that I owned stock in the companies that manufacture those orange construction cones that are used to redirect traffic.
Despite the constant road repair projects, many roads are still in bad condition. Not only are many roads we drive on full of potholes and rough surfaces, but life also has its rough and bumpy patches. Our path is often also under construction, requiring us to carefully navigate through the orange cones or get off at the next exit and take a detour. The confidence and peace you had as you were cruisin’ down the road listening to the radio has now turned to fear and worry, frustration and discouragement, despair, and hopelessness.
Two truths can be made from the reality that life’s potholes and detours are unavoidable. First, Jesus tells us that following Him does not promise smooth travels. Let’s look at what Jesus tells His disciples when they were worried about what would happen after He left them. In John 16:33 we read this, “I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Jesus makes it clear that life will not always be easy, but that He is bigger than any earthly pothole, and putting your trust in Him will give you peace and help you navigate, sometimes through and sometimes around, the pothole. This leads me to the second truth, and that being God is always with you. He isn’t like the car repairman that you only call when your car needs alignment after driving on roads full of potholes.
Throughout scripture, there are numerous verses referencing God with us. In Psalm 16, David writes this, “I keep my eyes always on the LORD. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken” (v.8). One of the many names given to Jesus is Immanuel, with means “God with us” (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:22-23). And in what we call the Great Commission, in which the resurrected Jesus instructs his disciples to spread the gospel to all the nations of the world, Jesus promises, “Surely I will be with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:16-20).
As a side note: in that Great Commission passage, in the original Greek, the only direct command is to “make disciples.” “Go,” “baptize,” and “teach” are indirect commands. What does that mean for us today? We are called to make disciples by going, baptizing, and teaching.
When God chose Joshua to succeed Moses in leading the people into the Promised Land, here is what He told them to calm their fears. Turning to Deuteronomy Chapter 31, in verse 3, God promises to give the people victory just had He had done in the past. Then in verse 6, we read these reassuring words, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you or forsake you.” And in verse 8 we see a similar message, “The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you or forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
So, today, regardless of the condition of the road you are currently on, or what the road up ahead looks like, rest assured that Jesus is with you and that He can get you through any and every situation you encounter along life’s journey. Will you trust Him fully today?
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