Roadblocks and Blessings
Scripture- James 1: 2-4 (NKJV) 2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
Roadblocks and blessings. Who would have thought these two words could coexist in a sentence? They seem to be contrary concepts, no? Today, you’ll find out just how closely linked they are.
In nature, there are some great examples which will help us to understand how roadblocks can be associated with blessings. But first let us look at the definition of roadblock. A roadblock can be defined as an obstruction, a barrier or any hindrance. I’m sure we have all had experiences with these, whether it be a blocked highway or shortcut we are accustomed to taking, forcing us to take a detour and be stuck in traffic. But even deeper, at an emotional level, we have all experienced the heartbreak of having our goals and our dreams blocked- by someone or something.
And the hardest roadblock of them all occurs when, in our Christian walk, Satan places obstacles in our path to discourage and cause us to turn back. (1 Peter 5:8) What then? Do we give up or push forward? (Romans 8:31)
What can we learn from nature and the Word of God about how we should respond to roadblocks?
Lessons from the Butterfly
Oh, what beautiful creatures! But what struggles prove necessary for their emergence! Trapped in a cocoon, they could choose to give up or push forward. Instinct tells them that the struggle will be worth it; and so, pushing past their “roadblock” i.e. the cocoon, they press for freedom. The result, magnificent!
Lessons from the Seed
The seed has a tough outer coat – a “roadblock”. How then does a seed become a plant? You see, before the embryo in the seed can push through the coat to form the radicle, the environment needs to be just right. The process of overcoming is not just a product of happenstance. There needs to be sufficient water, oxygen and warmth for this undertaking. Once these conditions are met, the seed is equipped, and the embryo can meet the challenge and burst forth to become, first a radicle, then the primary root and eventually break the soil revealing the beginning of the shoot. The result, a luscious plant providing beauty and able to supply the needs of others, whether shade or food.
Lessons from the Word
Mark 2:1-5 tells the true story of a man who, though paralyzed, was on a journey. His four friends carried him to see Jesus. However, they were blocked by a thick crowd and could not get to Jesus. They could have easily turned around and went back home. However, they were determined; against all odds, they would get to Jesus. And the old adage proves true – necessity is the mother of invention. And so, his four friends lifted him up to the roof and there, made a hole and lowered the paralytic before Jesus. What perseverance! And the result? The ability to walk and, best of all, the forgiveness of sin!
When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven you.” Mark 2:5 (NKJV)
The butterfly teaches us that when we are faced with day to day challenges in life that we must push forward, knowing that in so doing we will be blessed, emerging as beautiful creatures who can spread our wings and share the good news of our breakthrough with others. The seed illustrates the need for the right circumstances before success can be achieved. Water, oxygen, and warmth – sounds like the Holy Spirit to me. He is the water of life (John 7:37-39), the breath of God (Job 27:3) and fire (1 Thessalonians 5:19; Hebrews 12:29). With these, even a tough outer coat can be overcome. This means in trial we must ensure we are in the right mental environment – pray without ceasing, study the Word and forsake not the assembling of ourselves together. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-19; Psalm 119:18; John 8:32; Hebrews 10:25) The word teaches that we must persevere under hardship, under paralyzing circumstances, and never stop trying to get to Jesus because He possesses the ultimate blessing – forgiveness of sins and eternal life!
Our roadblocks, when we persevere through, make us stronger and more mature Christians. (James 1:2-4) There's a famous quote I love: "When we long for life without difficulties, remind us that oaks grow strong in contrary winds and diamonds are made under pressure." –Peter Marshall
So I ask you again, What then? Do we give up or push forward?
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for the lessons of perseverance which you teach me through nature and Your Word. Thank you for showing me that roadblocks, when overcome, only make me stronger in You and that out of them you can create marvelous blessings. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
