It wasn't a total surprise when we came upon a sawhorse on one of the back roads. We knew electricity was still out in various places. Actually, we were thankful that someone had erected a barrier to protect us from the power lines we could see draped across the road ahead. Curt went left instead of right and we sought another route to get where we wanted to go.
In a few minutes we came up to another sawhorse. This barrier was a bit of a surprise because we couldn't see any problems that would have caused its placement. Curt maneuvered the Jeep around the obstruction and we made our way about another mile. Then we saw the reason for the blockage. The river running along side the road had washed out an entire section. We had to turn around and go back the way we'd come.
It took several more attempts before we got back on track for our fall foliage tour. I must report that someone in the car, who shall remain nameless between the two of us, said on more than one occasion, "Let's just give this up and go home." Instead God carried us along and blessed us through the beauty of His creation and the warmth of our relationship in Him. We were and are thankful for His loving hand.
On that day it was our bodies that made the wandering trek. On many days it is our hearts, minds and spirits that run up against obstacles. They may not look like sawhorses, but they perform the same function. They affect the journey. The question for the believer is how to respond to the barrier before us.
Abraham did not considered the possible destruction of his promised future a roadblock preventing him from obeying God's command. He made the preparations necessary to sacrifice his son Isaac as a burnt offering. Genesis 22:8 explains that Abraham saw this sawhorse merely as a distraction. "God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son." Abraham set out to pursue God's call even to the plunging of a knife into Isaac's body when God made the detour clear." Genesis 22:12,13 reports that God stayed Abraham's hand and provided a ram as the offering.
What would have happened if Abraham had retreated at the first sign of a sawhorse? What if he had considered the risks and stayed at home to avoid them? We learn in other portions of Scripture what happens when God's people pay too much attention to the sawhorses they face. Jonah, Mark 14:66-72 In contrast, God's Word commends Abraham for exercising his faith by not shrinking back from the challenge before him. Hebrews 11:17-19
What about the sawhorses in our own lives? Do we see every one as a roadblock that blocks the way ahead? Do we stay at home in the garage or sit on a roadside bench when we should be persevering? Or do we, like Abraham, continue walking by faith?
There are times when a certain choice, relationship or direction simply is not good for us. We pursue them at our own peril. God knows all things and is compassionate toward His people. He provides a way out of sinful temptation. 1 Corinthians 10:13
The key to walking by faith is to be sure it is our lamplight. John 8:12, Ephesians 1:1-14 We are not being asked to take a blind leap off a precipice into bottomless darkness, but a measured step into the glorious light of God's grace. Ephesians 2:8-10 We are being called to rest in and pursue the pathway laid out for us by the Sovereign of the world.
It behooves the godly traveller to get to know their heavenly Travel Agent - to know Him well. We need to commit ourselves to develop our relationship with God - prayer, worship, study, fellowship. In that way we will grow in understanding, confidence, peace and joy at being in His hands. We will be more able to evaluate the sawhorses that appear in our path and follow the Lord as He guides us around them.
I don't like wandering around backroads not knowing where I am. I prefer beautiful scenery to downed wires and washed out roads. I really enjoy the feeling of relief when I get back on a road I know.
I do not want to wander around in life. I want to be as close to my Abba Father as I can be. I want to enjoy His love and faithfulness up close and personal. Therefore I commit myself to my basic Christian duties. I snuggle up in my private devotions. I focus on my study of the Word. I revel in worship. I delight in fellowship with my brothers and sisters. How about you?
