The Way Forward by Mick Smith

There really ought to have been a no entry sign. The lane down which we were driving had given no indication at all of what we were now facing and, to be honest, I was already beginning to be concerned about any damage to my car. It was also starting to feel that the way forward could become a bit of a challenge.

The surface of the road suddenly appeared to be in a very bad condition. There were large cracks and big holes that were extremely obvious but, what was even worse was that, there were weeds and bramble bushes growing from them that were far too large for the car to pass over without incurring some substantial damage to the sides and the underside of the car. In addition to all of that the hedges down both sides of the lane were so neglected and overgrown that, in places, they were spreading right across the lane.

There was absolutely no way forward, at that point, and so I took the only option available to me. I needed to back off the situation that faced me and so I began to reverse my car all the way back, a hundred metres, to the point at which I had turned in to the lane with damage limitation being the order of the day.

What had started as a pleasant drive in the country had become more like a nightmare. The thing was that this lane was one I was familiar with as a child. I knew where it led and that it used to be wide enough for the local farmer to drive his tractor along. The assumption was that it would be passable for the car but I hadn't reckoned on the passing of time and the effect of neglect on this little lane.

That set me thinking. How often do we find ourselves in a similar situation in our journey of life where we are faced with obstacles,  that  seem impassable, preventing us moving on? How frequently do circumstances  seem to hem us in on all sides? It's those times where, if we are honest, we do exactly what I had to do in my car. We back off. We compromise and become content with damage limitation.

Now here's the good news. We do not have to back away from these sort of situations. There is a way when there seems to be no way. God
knows the way, Jesus is the way and, with the Holy Spirit as our sat nav, we can move on through what looks impossible and feels so daunting. We are an overcoming people, in Christ, and every situation in which we find ourselves worried (for whatever reason), in reality, is an opportunity to prove that we are willing to trust God all the way through a problem and not just to a point where it feels impossible.

As a matter of fact I can tell you that the sat nav in my car has taken me on a few strange roads but I know that when the Holy Spirit is navigating us on our journey He never makes a mistake or an error of judgement. There is no obstacle in the way of the Christian that cannot be overcome with the Holy Spirit as guide.

When we look at some of the blockages we face they appear to us as giants. A situation may seem impossible and impassable. A hurt may often seem absolutely immovable. Circumstances may seem to close in on us from all sides and we feel as claustrophobic as it did in my car on that journey I was relating to you. Whatever the problem; there is a way forward.

Don't focus on the giant; if we do we don't move forward. Focus on Jesus and, in the light of His glory and grace, the things that trouble us will fade away. Look to the truth of the Word of God and see that the power of God, at work in us, is able to do far more than all that we ask or even think is possible. (Ephesians 3:20). The truth is that we need never become stuck so that we cannot move forward. We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. (Philippians 4:13).

Why not have a go? Think of whatever situation God has brought to mind while you are reading this and ask Him to clear the way forward and remove all hindrances and blockages that have hemmed you in for such a long time. Tell Him that you are willing. He will do it if you will press on for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:14). Take the first step and see what God can do. Don't hesitate. Press on. Forget the no entry sign. Now there's a thought.​

Ephesians 3:20 Now to Him who, by the power at work within us, is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or even think; to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations for ever and ever. Amen.

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