Warning Signs

Recently we were driving through Germany, following our GPS. The problem with the GPS is that you don’t know which cities you’re traveling through. We came to a place where we needed to turn, and there was a sign with the name of a town, but there was a red x through the name of the town. Since we didn't know if we were going that far, we ignored the sign and continued along that road. As we went, we passed detour signs, which we ignored. Eventually we came to a place where there was a barricade across the road, and we couldn’t go further. We spent an hour trying to figure out how to get past the area where the road was closed, because our GPS kept sending us back to that road. We finally met a man who could tell us which way to go to avoid two roads that were closed.

Sometimes in our lives we’re walking in a direction we shouldn’t go. God gives us all kinds of signs to tell us to turn around. Maybe a person who loves us warns us that we shouldn’t go this way. Maybe it’s a sense in our spirit telling us to stop going this direction. Whatever way God warns us, we have a choice to pay attention or continue going down the road. Often, people find themselves at a dead-end, frustrated about their difficult situation, asking God why He didn’t stop us from going this way. In this place, we should look back. You’ll see that God gave numerous warning signs. Maybe you didn’t understand the consequences of going past those signs. Maybe you decided you knew better and you ignored the signs. Whichever it is, we can find ourselves in a difficult place. We need to turn around to get back on the road where we should be.

Will we wander around trying to make our own way around the road block? Or will we ask God? He knows the roads. He can show us how to get back on the right road. Let’s repent for trying to go our own way, for ignoring His warning signs and thinking that we know better. We can make a new promise to God to pay attention to the signs He puts along the road. We may need to practise listening to His voice and recognising the signs. We can ask Him to help us.

Prayer: Lord, thank You that You put warning signs in my path to show me where I should go and what paths I should avoid. Please forgive me when I haven’t recognised signs You put in my path, and when I’ve deliberately rebelled and ignored Your warnings. Forgive me for trying to make my own way out. I need You to rescue me from the situation I’ve got myself in. Please show me the way out and help me to follow You closely. Give me wisdom to recognise the warning signs in the future. Amen.