If Only There Was a Warning Sign: Rough Road Ahead!

My husband, Joseph, and I saw this sign while on a recent trip and we just had to laugh. If only life’s difficulties came with such a sign.

So often we’re blindsided when trouble comes our way, like we’ve never read, John 16:33, “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” Or John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”

He knew our hearts would be troubled in this world and He provided His Peace beforehand. That’s so like God. He’s often had us make a connection with a new person, discover a new fact, save some money, etc. before we knew of a need, either for us or our loved ones. Corrie Ten Boom put it this way, “Every experience God gives us, every person he puts into our lives is the perfect preparation for a future only he can see.” She’s saying that as a woman who survived some gruesome things during WWII. Her family hid Jews in their home and subsequently she and her family endured brutality in the concentration camp.

Yet, even with these gifts in hand the trouble knocks us off our feet. We scramble to comprehend what just happened. We’re shocked every single time. Isn’t it so comforting to know God isn’t? He knows everything, He’s calmly and sovereignly ruling and reigning. Nothing ever occurs to God, because He never learns anything new. He’s always known everything. What an amazing thought; I may be freaking out at the surprise news, but He’s standing by His Peace extended, knowing this was entering our lives at this precise moment in time. Maybe we’ll remember that when we recognize these God given benefits already at our disposal.

I pray that these words written by the psalmist in Psalm 112:7 will be true of us, “He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the LORD.” It is possible to be surprised and yet unafraid. We can catch our breath and examine our hands and hearts full of His anticipatory blessings. He knew today you’d be caught off guard, but He also told you that He would be with you. “It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed. “ Deuteronomy 31:8. Again with the “do not fear” command.

At the end of Corrie Ten Boom’s life she often spoke about faith and forgiveness. Her faith brought her to forgiveness for her captors. She knew faith in and obedience to Jesus were her only hope in this world. She confidently stated, “When Jesus takes your hand, He keeps you tight. When Jesus keeps you tight, He leads you through your whole life. When Jesus leads you through your whole life, He brings you safely home.” She made this statement after the terrible ordeal had claimed the life of her father and sister. God promises to be with his children forever and through everything. She knew the words of Deuteronomy 31:8 and she believed them fully. The promise is not a life without storms, but his nearness when the waves crash against us.

When we encounter life shaking events can we say with boldness, “He is good. He can be trusted”?
I pray we can.
I pray we do.
I pray we, like Ms. Ten Boom can “trust an unknown future to a known God.”