By Megan Blansit
Founder of The Beautiful Movement - a youth ministry for high school girls. For more information, visit The Beautiful Movement’s Facebook page, where I post the time, place, and activity for each month
Recently I have started trying to eat healthier as well as exercise. I’m not saying that I will be the next Jillian Michaels, but I do hope to get in better shape and ultimately just feel better physically. While running tonight I was reminded that God has me on a specific path (as well as you). However, I feel like some people get the idea of a Christian path a little skewed. Let me elaborate. Just because someone is a Christian does not mean their life will be “peaches and cream.” The Bible says that we will have trouble but to take heart because Christ has overcome the world (John 16:33). I will go farther and say that Christ says he will NEVER leave us or nor forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:6).
So what am I trying to say? I am trying to say that on this journey of life we may come up against some road blocks; things may not always go how we planned or desired. I want to challenge your initial thought about the word “road block.” Lets be honest, that word probably makes you want to cringe, especially if you are in a hurry to go somewhere and then have to take a detour. However, what if a spiritual road block could be the very destination that you encounter God in the most tangible way? Perhaps a road block could be a good thing?
When we face a road block in our life, it is easy to think “I can’t go on/I want to give up,” but please don’t determine the road block in the middle as the end. Road blocks are a place on your journey where God can really shine through. For example, a road block I have had in the past was fear. Fear could have easily stopped me from moving off for college or even driving out of town. When I was facing this “road block” I absolutely felt at a stand still in life and could have easily thrown in the towel. But, instead, I used it as an opportunity to get closer to God. I dug into His Word and had to press in, in the midst of my fear until I was set free. For example, this meant quoting scripture and doing things that I feared, such as driving out of town. I can proudly say fear is no longer a road block for me. At the road block of fear I learned that I can do anything through Christ who strengthens me, that I have nothing to fear because he promises to never leave me, and I found comfort in knowing that he commands his angels to protect me.
Friend, when something bad happens it does not mean you have to change paths (giving up on your walk with Christ). You may just be up against a road block, but the Lord delights in helping his children. I would hate for you to give up and miss out on your beautiful journey. However, I am afraid that people learn to deal with their issues in life rather than pressing in for breakthrough.
The road blocks in my life may have stumped me for a short period but they have ultimately shown me how incredibly awesome God is and they are the exact places where I have experienced him the most. If a past road block led me closer to God, I have no complaints. So friend, I challenge you that when/if you come up on a road block, seek God, press through, and don’t give up!
