A Straight Path

"I guide you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble. Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life."     Proverbs 4:11-13


     I was driving to work the other day.   I usually go this one major route that runs along one of our rivers.  It's a beautiful peaceful sight to look out through the trees and be able to see the river to my right.  Normally the traffic can be horrendous on that road.  I just put on some worship music and slowly make my way towards the office.  It's my time for me...  But that day was different.   One of the side roads leading to this main thoroughfare had been closed due to a mudslide.   
        What a difference the removal of just one obstruction can make in how fast one can travel down a path.   With the road closed, the traffic light was on flash.  Because of that we never had the backup that comes from having to stop for the light.  What a difference it made.  I had been running a bit late that day and had settled in to the belief that it would be a late start for me.   But no.  With no obstacles in the way I was still able to get to the office on time even though I had a later than usual start.  
        Of course you guessed it - this got me thinking...   If just one obstacle was removed from the road and it made my travel go smoother and faster than normal... then what about my walk with God?   What is my path like there?   Do I have obstacles?  Duh! vOf course I do!  Do those obstacles slow me down in my walk with God?  It looks like they must... I probably just don't realize it in my daily life because I am so used to being where I am.   Just like I was used to the long commute each day.... I guess that I am realizing that if we can remove even one obstacle along our path that it will make a huge difference in our walk with God.  
        The other thing that I am seeing is that just as I can't block off the road (the one with the mudslide) on my own, to improve my daily commute.... I can't remove the obstacles on my own either.   But I can be aware of them... and ask God for some help with them.  With God's help anything is possible.  Those obstacles can be overcome.  The road can become smoother, and easier to follow. We will be able to "run" along that path.  There will always be a chance that more obstacles will come.  But we're not going down that Path alone.  God is with us.
       Dear Lord, that was an amazing lesson taught from life.  Thanks for not making it a painful one.  Please help me and my friends to see the obstacles in our paths and help us to be humble enough to ask for Your help in overcoming them.  We realize that there will always be a chance that some new trouble will attempt to block the road, but we know that You are walking with us.  Help us to remember that You are always there.   And thanks ahead of time for being there...