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Sunday, November 16, 2008

Watching for Road Signs




Watching for Road Signs

“…If those who ignored earthly warnings didn't get away with it, what will happen to us if we turn our backs on heavenly warnings?...”
Hebrews 12:26


Do you remember taking the required tests to get your drivers license? First, you take the written test (that you hopefully study for), making sure you know the signs on the street, the correct speed limits, and the rules of driving. A year later, you take the driving test where you drive with an instructor who critiques how you follow the driving laws. Teenagers study, or should study, for this test and they look forward to the reward that comes from passing, which is the freedom to drive. From this moment on, we drive countless hours throughout our lifetimes. Whether we are taking a long road trip or just driving to work each day, we must continually follow the signs of the road. We follow the directions of the street signs to get to our desired destination, we follow the speed limit signs in order to avoid a ticket and a fine, and we obey the signs and signals for our safety, as well as, the safety of those around us.

The Bible says in Hebrews 12, “If those who ignored earthly warnings didn’t get away with it, what will happen to us if we turn our backs on heavenly warnings?” God has given us His guide book. We are called to study it and obey its content. He has spelled out in His Word directions that will take us where we need to go, but also warnings that will protect us and those around us. If you are like me, you can think of times when you were driving, rushing to get to your destination, and going a little faster than you should have been. You pass a police car and quickly press your brake to slow your vehicle to a more appropriate speed. Why do we do this? Of course, it is because we want to avoid getting a fine and having to pay for our violation of the law.

If we will keep our spiritual eyes and hearts open, God is flashing His warnings and His clear directions to us everyday, but we must choose to respond appropriately. The cost for disobeying God’s law is far greater than any monetary fine we would incur from a speeding ticket or traffic violation. We are driving through life with the “Instructor” (God) watching our every move. He, just as the driver instructor, is watching how we appropriate the laws He has laid out for us. The fines for failure can be great, but the reward for obedience is freedom. Freedom to live the abundant life He has created us to live. Oh, and the destination is Heaven. If we will follow His Word, we will not only end up in the “joy of our reward”, but we will have life and have it more abundantly along the way.

So, how’s your driving lately? I mean your spiritual driving. What are the signs God is revealing to you today? Is He telling you to slow down long enough to hear His clear direction because you are moving too fast in a certain direction? Is He flashing you a bright yellow “Yield” sign because you are driving too close to forbidden territory in a certain area of your life? Maybe He is attempting to wave a warning flag at you because you are dangerously close to making a decision that He knows isn’t best for you. Whatever it is, take the time to “brake”, receive His word, and follow His direction. The destination promised will be sweet, and the journey full of joy!

Lord, enable me today to listen to you. Help me to keep the eyes of my heart open to Your warnings and clear directions. If I am unsure about which way to go, help me to simply stop and ask you for directions. Thank you that you are with me every mile of the journey and when I am with you my journey will protected and full of joy!



You can read more from Tammy at Steps In Our Journey


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5 Comments:

Blogger Freddae' said...

Thank you for this great driving analogy. I wish I could give up control enough to allow God to be in the drivers seat from time to time. Mostly, I find myself, metaphorically of course, driving while text messaging and putting on mascara...my mind is in too many places and I don't follow directions because it would take to long so I'll just do it my way and then I ask God for help when I wreck and don't know what to do. Life is funny that way, isn't it? It's time to put down the things that don't matter, keep our eyes on God and go forward at a steady speed. Thanks again for this wonderful analogy.

November 16, 2008 at 12:28 PM  
Blogger Denise said...

Awesome sweetie.

November 16, 2008 at 7:46 PM  
Blogger Joanne Sher said...

Excellent analogy, with so much truth. This will make me think each time I "put my pedal to the metal" - which I'll be doing in less than five minutes :)
Thank you!

November 17, 2008 at 7:44 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

YIKES! Were you spying on me last week? I had an issue with which God had put up flares, flashing lights, roadblocks, etc. and I STILL did things my way -- the WRONG way. I ended up almost too ashamed even to go before Him to repent and beg forgiveness. You can be sure that I am listening much more carefully now for His instructions!

November 17, 2008 at 7:52 AM  
Blogger LauraLee Shaw said...

What a powerful admonition. One I needed to hear.

November 17, 2008 at 12:44 PM  

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