There was nothing special about this stoplight. I happened to be in the front row of cars, which was good because – this time – I intended to be on time to my kid’s school. The very second the light turned green, I’d be off. It was about to change, I was sure of it.
I inched up my car. Yet, before I could take off a woman tranced into the center of the road with a big red stop sign. She wore an orange jacket with reflectors on it and she looked all bundled up in the cold. She was a crossing guard. The only woman with the power to stop the nearly half-a-mile long traffic line behind me.
Her little stiff body said, “No, the children go first.”
She had power. Leverage. Authority.
In many ways, I can’t help but think – God is like a crossing guard. He can and will literally stop traffic to get us to our destination. Consider when He changed Pharoah’s mind and released the Israelites or when he parted the Red Sea for them. When God wants to bring you somewhere, He will. All power and authority belongs to Him.
With your hand you drove out the nations and planted our ancestors; you crushed the peoples and made our ancestors flourish. It was not by their sword that they won the land, nor did their arm bring them victory; it was your right hand, your arm, and the light of your face, for you loved them. (Ps. 44:2-3)
I don’t think God cares so much what we come with – a speedy car, super high-gear abilities or a full tank of gas. All that matters is one man went into the fray, crossed into the depths of our sin and paid the heavy-price to save us. To provide us — a way.
Jesus is the way.
Jesus clears the path for every child of God; He leads well. He invites all to travel down His roads. Where the going is easy. The burden is light. The protection is ample. The peace, glory, and safety of His “cross”walk is before us.
Nothing can stand against it: Enemies stop. Obstacles pause. Traffic stops.
But for those who are righteous, the way is not steep and rough. You are a God who does what is right, and you smooth out the path ahead of them. (Is. 26:7)
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Wow-this is my struggle. Letting go. Letting God. Admit I am powerless, that I can do nothing without God. Sure, I can make decisions, but as my life is in turmoil, and my emotions high, fear is deep and confusions abound, will they be the RIGHT decisions? Will they be God’s will for me? Where is the line of waiting and submitting and allowing God to clear a path, and it not be considered “stuck” because of indecision or fear holding me back? Am I being obedient? Or am I allowing my indecision to rule the day? Lord, help me with Your wisdom-not from myself-but from You. Amen.
Thank you for the reminder God will get me where he wants me. I needed to hear that today.