Red lights can be so frustrating!

“Red Lights”

One of my frustrating experiences is driving down Main Street in Houston, Texas. It is less than a mile long but has eight stoplights — and I often hit every red light. How frustrating!

Doesn’t God know how busy I am? Doesn’t God know that I want to do great things for Him today? Can’t He arrange the lights for an extra 15 minutes?

What’s harder to take is when we hit those red lights in our lives! Perhaps you plan to do something good and then you get sick and can’t do it. Red Light!

Or, you are on a fulfilling path at work and then your position becomes insecure. Red Light!

Or an unwanted divorce, or a sudden grief or a bad report from the doctor blindsides you. Red Light!

Have you been there? Maybe you are there right now?

While you are waiting at the red light, allow me to encourage you. Stop tapping the steering wheel or revving the engine — God knows where you are and what He wants to teach you something while you wait at your Red Light. King David had the right idea when he said: “I trust in You O Lord, I say: ‘You are my God! My times are in your hand.’” (Psalm 31:14, 15).

So trust God on a “moment-by-moment”

basis. God knows what time it is. He will not cause you to sit at your Red Light forever. In fact, be acutely aware that He may want to tell you something very special, very important while you are stuck at your Red Light — so just listen! Happy driving!

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Editor’s note: The Rev. Dr. Scott Stewart is the pastor of Pea Ridge United Methodist Church and Brightwater Methodist Church. The opinions expressed are those of the writer. He can be contacted at revjstewart@ gmail.com or 479-659-9519.