Signs Along the Way

I was on my way to work one morning, taking the route I normally travel. When I transitioned from I-10 to 610 as usual, I was in the right lane. Typically, the left lane moves faster, so I proceeded to make my way to the left lane. As I was moving to the left, one lane at a time, I saw a road sign saying there was a stalled car in the left lane up ahead. In my current position on the interstate, the left lane was still moving faster than the other lanes. Based on what I saw and despite the sign, I continued to move to the left lane because I assumed the stall had been removed and the signage was not up to date (don’t judge me). As I crossed over the elevated portion of the interstate, I could see the stalled car was still there and the cars in the left lane were moving to the right. At this point on the interstate, the right lane was moving faster, and moving back to the right wasn’t that easy because of the stalled car, those of us in the left lane had to wait for someone to let us over. In that moment, I could do nothing but laugh because there was a sign.

There are many signs on the roads that we travel, reminding drivers of traffic laws and what actions to take or avoid, some warn drivers of potential hazards or changes in road conditions, while others provide information about directions, distances, and available services.

We have all missed or ignored a sign or two; the street sign where we were supposed to turn or the dead-end sign that required us to back up. Some signs are more costly if missed or ignored: the speed limit signs that result in a ticket or the stop sign that results in an accident. Signage that is fixed along a path that we regularly travel can be easy to miss or overlook, that is why when something new or different is happening along the route, sometimes flashing lights are added to the signage to get our attention. It may also mean this is an important sign, like the lights on the school zone sign that flash during the time of day when children are going to and coming from school.

Along our life’s journey, we have scriptures that guide us on what actions to take or avoid, warn us of potential hazards or changes in conditions, and provide vital information for direction, distances, and available services. Oh, can you just see the scriptures posted in orange, white, yellow, red, and green along the path of every season of your life? Some with flashing lights!

Here are some scriptures that I have seen along my life’s journey. Some I acknowledged, while others I admittedly ignored.

Actions to Take or Avoid

• Matthew 22:37-39 (NIV) - Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’

  
  

• 1 John 2:15 (NIV) - Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them.

  
  

• James 1:19 (NIV) - My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,

  
  

• 2 Corinthians 6:14 (NIV) - Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?

Potential Hazards or Changes in Conditions

• John 16:33 (NIV) - “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

  
  

• 1 Peter 5:8-9 (NIV) - Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

  
  

• Isaiah 54:17 (NIV) - No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and this is their vindication from me,” declares the Lord.

Direction, Distances, and Available Services

• Isaiah 30:21(NIV) - Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”

  
  

• Psalm 30:5 (NIV) - For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.

  
  

• James 1:5 (NIV) - If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

  
  

• Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV) - “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Scriptures, like road signs, are meant to help us navigate life. So, when we find ourselves in traffic jams or making U-turns because we ignored them, Jesus is right there, willing to forgive our disobedience, and ready to direct our path forward. Don’t be discouraged just let Him lead the way…let’s go!