Stuck In ReverseSample

Facing Detours and Roadblocks

The trials and pressures of life can become roadblocks to God’s plan for our lives. Israel came to a huge roadblock when they approached the Red Sea. They only had a couple of choices. Either they could stay where they were—on the shoreline and be killed or recaptured by the Egyptian army—or they could move forward into the water and trust God to open the way before them.

There are many times in life when we feel closed in on all sides. We don’t know which way to turn. When this happens, there’s only one thing to do—pray. This was especially true in Israel’s case since their enemies were bearing down on them. Moses and the people cried out to God, but their cries were ones of panic and not of faith in an all-knowing, all-powerful God. “Then the LORD said to Moses, ‘Why are you crying out to Me? Tell the sons of Israel to go forward. As for you, lift up your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it, and the sons of Israel shall go through the midst of the sea on dry land’” (Ex. 14:15-16).

Feelings of fear and hopelessness can paralyze us and prevent us from going forward and doing what God has called us to do. God gave Moses insight into His plan. He told Him He was going to harden Pharaoh’s heart to an even greater degree so that he would be compelled to follow God’s people in order to destroy them.

However, this pursuing enemy would never get close enough to harm them. Why did God allow the enemy to follow Israel? For one reason: He wanted them to see His power displayed and understand there’s no God like Him. He wanted Israel to depend only on Him. This is His goal for each one of our lives.

There’s nothing in His Word that tells us living for Him will be easy and free of trouble. In fact, the opposite may well be true. Often, God allows us to face trials, detours, and roadblocks to strengthen our faith and remind us of His personal work in our lives. If life were free of trouble and heartache, we’d be tempted to think we don’t need Him. But we do—not just occasionally, but every moment of every day. We need to know He’s near and that He’s guiding us.

The nation of Israel hadn’t learned this. That’s why God sent a cloud before them to lead them through the day and a pillar of fire behind them at night. He wanted His people to know He was with them, and He gave them physical evidence of this. Today, He’s given us the Holy Spirit, who resides inside the life of every believer. He’s our infinite guide, comforter, and the One who leads us forward in godly truth (John 16:13).

Whatever you’re facing today, know that God’s always beside you. He’s leading you around all the roadblocks and detours of life, making a way for you to travel through what seems to be impossible circumstances. The question is, do you have the faith in Him to see you through?