Bridge Out Ahead

I saw a joke in a post the other day that made me think a bit.


Two preachers were posting signs just before a big curve in a road, saying 'the end is near, turn back now'. A man yells as he passes 'you religious nuts!', as he goes around the curve you hear a loud crash.  One preacher looks at the other and says 'do you think the sign should have said bridge out ahead?'


We chuckle yet in our daily life we have many warning signs that we completely ignore because we don't like how the message is worded or who is giving the message.  Then when we get in trouble we try to tell God 'why didn't you stop me'.  I'm sure He wants to shake His head and just point to all the signs He gave us that we ignored.


Sometimes the sign is a feeling where He nudges us to listen to His still small voice, sometimes it is a friend that, in love, questions our decisions (notice I said in love, I'm not talking about that person that criticizes everything with a holier than thou attitude), sometimes it is the words of a Sunday School teacher or a preacher that give us insight to ways we should change, it may even be the words to a song that we can't get out of our head.


But whatever the way, whatever the sign, God doesn't let us go head long into chaos without warning us.  Our challenge is learning to listen for the warnings.  Then even more challenging is listening without fighting back.


I remember times I've had warnings, almost flashing signs and I've run full speed ahead.  It's easy to convince ourselves that the signs or struggles to get somewhere is the devil not wanting us to succeed.  I'm having to fight, it must mean the devil doesn't want me to have it, right?  Maybe, or maybe God is trying His best to show you something and you are wearing blinders.


Why can't God be clearer, you may ask.  Well, are you reading your Bible?  Are you praying?  Those are the ways He uses most often to give you clarity.  If you are praying, what are you praying?  Are you praying 'God show me, guide me' or are you praying 'God, I want to do this, please make it happen'?  What you pray is as important as actually praying.


God will give you the desires of your heart but you must delight in Him, spend time with Him, read and apply His word, talk to Him and allow Him to talk to you.  (Psalms 37)  The bridge is often out or the road closed but He will show you if you will allow Him to, what path is best for you.