No Outlet

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11. ESV).

Does such a place exist? If you can get in, can’t you get out? Whether it is a traffic situation or a personal kind of problem, there is always a way out. This is just one of those signs that doesn’t sit right with me.

God never leaves us stranded! It may be a tight squeeze to get righted around and back on the road (physically, spiritually and emotionally), but there is always a way out.

Before the beginning of mankind, our heavenly Father knew each of us intimately and brought us into this world with a plan. He knew we would travel into some dead ends but He also knew that we would become stronger and wiser by doing so.

With our curious minds, we are always seeking short cuts that will get us to the end result faster. What we can’t see are the flooded roads, fallen trees and branches, or exactly where that road will take us. We move on ignoring the signs posted for our protection. With our stubborn nature, we think ‘there just has to be a way to get through there.’

How many times have we pressed on and found ourselves battered, bruised and scraped up because of our pride? “I could not possibly be wrong about this!” Then this feeling of defeat comes over us and that little voice says, “Turn around and go back!” Oh, the agony of defeat!

Once we return to the main road, we relax and again move forward. Yes, we have lost time and energy by trying to do things our way, but we have found our way back. Somehow, it always looks more refreshing.

In a car or in our personal lives, His love always helps us find our way back. He will let our tenacious nature wander if we persist and refuse to use the map He has provided in His Holy Word, the Bible. He gently yet firmly brings us back to His plan and points us in the right direction over and over again.

We can never wander so far that His love won’t find us and bring us home.

Oh Love That Will Not Let Me Go

Father God, thank You for Your love that pulls me back from the edge of self-destruction. Help me to be more alert to Your messages. AMEN.