Roadblock!
by Gemma Gardner
My husband and I were returning home after a week’s holiday at the other side of the United Kingdom. Our journey seemed to be going well, and so we stopped for lunch before continuing. We had only gone a little way when we encountered a large queue of traffic on a busy roundabout. We slowly drove around it, sandwiched between lorries and other cars, only to discover that the road we wanted to get on was closed.
We tried again, going on another roundabout, to see if there was a way through, but again, there was no way out. We were forced to come off on a road we didn’t want, and to take another route, which took us a long way round. The traffic diversion signs we followed were very scarce, and soon stopped altogether. We had no option but to take a long detour, which added a hundred miles extra on to a journey which should have taken four to five hours. It took us ten hours to reach the place we were to stay for the night.
Paul and Silas had been to Thessalonica. You can read about their visit in Acts 17. Many people had turned to the Lord, but trouble flared when the Jews got jealous, and they were forced to leave the young church they had founded. There’s no doubt that Satan did his utmost to hinder Paul, who longed to return to the young believers. But another way forward opened up when Paul was able to send Timothy. What rejoicing there must have been when Timothy returned to Paul and Silas with good news. The young believers were standing firm.
Sometimes we can find ourselves hindered at different stages in our lives. It can be circumstances, or health, or simply weather conditions, that hinder our journey. But the good news is God’s eternal plans will never be hindered by Satan or the schemes of men. We can bring every situation we encounter to the Lord in prayer, and He’s promised to work everything for the good of those who love Him.
Let the chorus of this song by Don Moen encourage your heart, if you’re feeling hindered in your way just now:
"God will make a way where there seems to be no way. He works in ways we cannot see. He will make a way for me. He will be my guide, hold me closely to His side. With love and strength for each new day, God will make a way. He will make a way."
Prayer: Thank You, Lord, that there’s nothing too hard for You, and that You will have the victory over every adversary that confronts me. I put my trust in You. Amen.
Gemma Gardner lives in Norfolk with her husband, Dean, who until recently worked at Ellel Grange. They are both part of the Associate Ministry team which Gemma joined after completing the Modular school. Gemma has experienced the Lord`s healing and restoration over many years and longs to see Him healing other broken people. Gemma loves listening to music, cooking, knitting and crochet as well as outdoor exercise. She enjoys playing guitar and singing worship songs.
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