Bumps In The Road

Nehemiah 9:19 – Because of your great compassion you did not abandon them in the desert. By day the pillar of cloud did not cease to guide them on their path, nor the pillar of fire by night to shine on the way they were to take. (NIV)

My morning coffee is usually for me an unhurried time, to start my day. There are times, though, when time does not permit a dilly-dallying with my coffee. This particular morning, I was on my second cup when it was time to leave. Not wanting to waste my coffee, I decided to take it with me. I didn't bother to take the time to put it into the travel mug, but left the house with cup in hand. As my husband was driving, I soon realized that the cup contained a bit more coffee than I had thought, still too hot to drink it down. I found myself carefully holding it steady so as not to spill the contents. At times, my husband would slow down or navigate around a bump in the road. What surprised me was that I actually had a knack for holding it so that the contents did not spill. So sipping and balancing, we drove along.

On our road through life, we also face many bumps along the way. There are financial, relational, and medical bumps and trials that will come into our lives. What we do when we come to a bump in the road is usually to slow down or even to stop in order to better assess the situation before moving on. We must also keep a certain balance ourselves, so as not to falter or fall down. There are times when Christian friends will come alongside us and help us to navigate these bumps in our lives. At times, if we become stalled for a long time, they will gently urge us and encourage us to move on and continue on the road of life.

Romans 15:1 – Those of us who are strong and able in the faith need to step in and lend a hand to those who falter, and not just what is most convenient for us. Strength is for service, not status. (MSG)

With my coffee complete, I realized that, in fact, it was not only my careful balancing or my husband's driving that had saved the contents, but rather the fact that we knew the road and the bumps and potholes on it. Knowing the road allowed me the grace to hold the cup in just the right manner to keep its contents from spilling over the side.

But what about the times when we don't know what lies ahead of us on the road of life, what is around the next corner? In those times, we need to turn directly to our spiritual driver, Jesus. He knows the road ahead, and we can always depend on Him to guide us safely through the bumps.

Deuteronomy 31:8 – The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. (NIV)

Prayer: Dear Lord, help us to turn to You first and foremost when we falter. We know that You are more than capable of helping us in need. Help our unbelief in times of trouble. Make us a people able to stand strong and be in service for You and You alone, for Your glory. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Forward this devotional     Share this devotional on Facebook     Like PresbyCan on Facebook