I have noticed that the summer months seem to be the time when every major road and thoroughfare in the state is under construction. I’m sure there are a multitude of rational explanations for this occurrence, but it doesn’t really assist me in my efforts to arrive in a timely manner at my proposed destinations. There are times, in fact, when it seems that the goal of the highway department is to sabotage my best efforts to be on time. Whatever the case, these various road repairs come at inconvenient times and heighten my stress levels. Though I believe God has called me to a ministry that promotes slowing down, this was not the way I envisioned it happening. I find I am as impatient and in a hurry as the next person. Obviously, the Lord has me reflecting on pause for a reason.

When I am out on the roads, I find that often the traffic begins to slow before I know the reason why. I imagine all kinds of horrible scenarios, trying to avoid the most obvious reason, road construction. But then I begin to see the posted signs along the road; warning, slow down, delays ahead. As I ponder these signs I am reminded that often in my life I have chosen a course and speed, only to be interrupted by some random sign along the road telling me that there’s a delay or a detour ahead. It is an affront to my careful planning and preparation. These signs and warnings to slow down don’t fit my schedule. These detours and delays are an interruption to my well-ordered life. But there is another side to this. Though these interruptions may not be of my choosing they may be for my good.

One of the themes in the Biblical account of Joshua is the various warnings and signs the God of Israel promotes with His people. These signs alert His children to what is up ahead and the appropriate caution to take. These warnings call for a watchful eye and a listening ear. They are a means God uses to slow His people down to see His work in preparing the way ahead and His presence accompanying them on the journey. They ultimately are for their good. But for some of us the caution and warning signs are reasons to pull off the road, turn around and go back to safer, more predictable places. This is not God’s intention in posting the warnings signs along the road. Rather it is God’s intention that we should recognize His greatness and cling to Him all the more. His promise to Joshua was to bring Joshua and the children of Israel into the new land of promise.

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

Though I may at times see my course and speed interrupted by a warning along the way, I am to continue on this journey of faith, focusing, not so much on the warning sign as I do on the Lord who leads the journey and has promised my safe arrival under His care. The signs are a reminder to slow down and refocus on the Lord and His goodness and greatness. Whatever the warning sign, it calls me to slow down and be attentive to the one who sees all the road ahead and will accompany me throughout the journey.

I’m still a bit frustrated by the slowing pace of a road under construction, but I’m learning little by little to trust the one who knows the road better than I, and to rest in His ability to bring me to the place of His presence and rest, according to His means and His timing.