Rough Roads

“We want change, but are we willing to go through the construction?” ~Iyhia McMichael

When we see construction signs we immediately prepare ourselves for traffic jams, impatience, and alternate routes. Although we like the finished product of construction, we do not like the process of it. We live in a society where we are always looking for ways to make things better and more convenient for people with the least amount of inconvenience. I just heard recently on the radio, that people were complaining about how long the process was for checking out of the hotel room; so hotels were creating a code that can be used with the smart phone that will help lock and unlock the doors. There is nothing wrong with change, but I have learned that just because someone is in motion, doesn’t mean they are moving forward. Recently, I found myself stuck in a traffic jam, because they were trying to make the roads smoother. I was in a hurry so, I was frustrated at how far the traffic was backed up, and felt inconvenienced. I looked around me for alternate routes to take, but they all lead to the same stopping point. There was no way around the construction, I had to go through it.

There is a way that seems right, but ends in death.” Proverbs 14:12 (NLT)

It was not until I revisited the same road after the construction had been completed, that I realized how much better driving on the roads were; it was so smooth and balanced. I reflected back on many instances in my life where I found myself so upset with how my life was going. I was traveling though many rough roads, and it seemed as though the harder I tried, the worse my “roads” became. I tried to take alternate routes, back roads, and side streets to get to where I thought I was suppose to go. I spent so much energy spinning my wheels only to find myself in the exact same spot; which created a deeper hole for me to be pulled out of. I would plead with God to help me get out of the “construction zone,” but he kept me right in the midst of the traffic. God did not remove me from my situation, but he did provide me peace to endure it. In the beginning, I could not see why it was beneficial or necessary for me to endure the “construction,” but after all the cones were removed and the flags were let down, I was able to walk on “smooth roads.” I was able to understand why it was not only necessary, but beneficial for me to go through the “construction” for God’s purposes. Paul says in 2 Corinthians 1:4 “He  comforts us in our troubles so that we can comfort others…” (NLT). When I would try to manipulate my own path, I would find myself right back in the midst of my situation, with no progress to show for it. It wasn’t until I surrendered to God’s plan, that I was able to enjoy the “smooth roads.”

#REBORN#RENEWED#RECOLORED