Thursday, August 17, 2023

 

Illuminating the Road of Life

August 17

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.

Psalm 119:105

It was raining heavily; the clouds had lowered until they obscured everything but the road itself. The car’s headlights fought to illuminate even the smallest piece of real estate. Walter’s eyes hurt from the constant strain. “In all my years of driving, these roads are the worst I’ve seen! And I can’t even see the potholes for the rain!” he complained.

I’m pretty sure ‘self-fulfilling prophecy’ is what they call what happened next.

“I’m surprised they haven’t flattened all four tires or swallow the car whole!”

WHAM! The car lurched toward the shoulder of the road as Walter fought to maintain control. Then the right rear tire struck the pothole with tremendous force, causing the car’s rear end to momentarily loose contact with the road.

The next thing Penny saw was the guardrail coming at her too fast for Walter to do anything about. “Look out!” she hollered, just before hitting it and bouncing back onto the highway.

Miraculously, Walter regained control and stopped the car. Startled, shaken, yet unharmed, they got out and surveyed the damage. The right side of the car would need extensive body work and both right-side tires would need replaced. Walter called for a tow truck, thankful they had not been injured.

Harsh winters in the Midwest wreak havoc on paved roads. During the day, snowmelt finds its way into every crack and crevice. As the sun goes down, so does the temperature. The water freezes and transforms the cracks into crevices. As this procedure repeats itself, the asphalt breaks apart, leaving potholes the size of small cars.

In much the same way, the sin in our lives causes the road we travel to become rough and treacherous, filled with spiritual hazards.

God’s word provides the illuminating light necessary to navigate the road safely so we can move over and around the obstacles. But unlike the headlights of Walter’s car, God’s word cuts through the murkiest nights, showing us where danger lurks.

We have a choice…remain on the road riddled with destruction, or follow the path He has lighted for our safety.

Prayer

“Lord of Light, show me the hazards that lay ahead. Illuminate my path and keep me from harm. In Jesus’ Mighty Name, amen.”

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