I was recently nearing my destination on a long twelve hour drive when I ran into bumper-to-bumper traffic. Though the trip had been amazingly smooth, I was tired and very ready to be off the road. Discouraged and frustrated, I wondered to myself, “How bad is this traffic going to be?”
Several years ago there really wasn’t an answer to that question. If you came to a traffic jam on the interstate, you would simply sit and wonder what the hold up was, how long it would last, and how late you would be getting to your destination. There was no choice but to sit and wait in it…and try to be patient.
In this “jam” I reached for my phone on the dash and with a pinch was able to see how far the red line extended. My ETA was displayed in front of me, adjusted for the approximate delay. Other route options were suggested, but, feeling comfortable that my current heading was just fine, I touched “re-center,” returning to the stalled traffic with a much more manageable perspective. It was what it was, beyond my control, but I knew that soon enough I would be safely parked at my destination.
“Soon you won’t be able to see me; soon after that, you will see me.” I’ve said these things to you so that you will have peace in me. In the world you have distress. But be encouraged! I have conquered the world.”” John 16:16, 33 CEB
We all inevitably run into traffic jams throughout life. We all will find ourselves bumper-to-bumper…with a level of unknown that is both discouraging and frustrating. If you find yourself in need of an extra dose of hope, be reminded that you are in a moment and it too shall pass. Your world may be chaotic but it cannot be lost because it has already been won. In your struggle for patience be encouraged because in times of uncertainty God presents us with a much more manageable perspective.
Ramblings of a Faithjunkie 