Bump-Free TravelingSample

One of the many benefits that come with summer is the freedom to travel more with my husband in our evangelistic ministry. School lets out, releasing our family from a more tethered routine, and our daughters and I hit the road to join the ministry, enjoy some much-needed family time together, and keep our family connected to this cause we’ve given our lives to. Among these beautiful experiences is the occasional but inevitable bump in the road, literally and figuratively. Perhaps it is the higher concentration of time together that may cause a few sibling squabbles. Or too much food from restaurants and less home-cooking that upsets the digestion. And then you’re smoothly sailing down a turnpike and out of the blue (typically crossing the state line into our home state of Oklahoma), the car is jarred, drinks are spilled, snacks are dropped. Oklahoma is notorious for rough roads and, as much as we love our ‘homa, where the wind comes sweepin’ down the plain, we don’t exactly love our ‘homa, where the roads we pay big bucks for are riddled with potholes.

I don’t know about you, but I find that when I am driving down a two-lane road and have the clearance to swerve around the potholes or bumps, I’m happy to take an alternate route into the oncoming lane. If there’s a speed bump in an otherwise empty parking lot, I’m taking the long way around to avoid the unnecessary disruption of comfort. I confess: I dodge all the humps and bumps along the way.

In life, most people find themselves craving a bump-free journey, too.

In life, most people find themselves craving a bump-free journey, too. We relish a smooth, freshly paved highway where the gas tank is full, the snacks are plentiful, the drinks are iced, and the horizon stretches out clearly. No turnpike fees, please. Thunderstorms, hail, icy conditions–nah, we’ll pass. Crank up the music and enjoy the ride!

But that’s not what was promised to us by our Heavenly Father, right? In the beginning, that was definitely His plan of perfection. But the invasion of sin’s impact shifted everything. Perfection was tainted by imperfection. Pain- and toil-free living quickly faded with Eden’s closure. No more hand-in-hand jaunts in the cool of the evening with the Divine Creator. Sin changed everything. And life? Well, it became a menagerie of joy and frustration that continued to be measured by obedience and disobedience to the confines of God’s Law. God’s people were tasked with keeping a series of commands that, without the blessing of His grace, were nearly impossible to maintain. A litany of sacrifices and sacraments consumed the day-to-day, season-to-season, and year-to-year requirements.

Even with the arrival of the long-awaited Messiah, there was not clearance provided for a trial-free way of life. Jesus Himself issued the disappointing news to those hoping that struggle had finally come to an end with His statement in John 16, verse 33: “Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows.” Why didn’t He tell His faithful followers that He was removing pain, heartache, or tragedy from this earth?

Dig a Little Deeper

1. How have you handled unexpected trials or life disturbances in the past?

2. What have you discovered about God during seasons of comfort? And how about during seasons of tribulation?