Gerda's Garden: Road Blocks; Help or Hinderance?

I Thessalonians 3:11-13

"Now God himself and our father, an our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way unto you. And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you: To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God. even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints."

Detours, roadblocks, delays, changes in plans....What is your usual reaction when these occur in your lives? Anger? Frustration? Worse?

How can you discern if a 'roadblock' in your life is a 'detour' from the Lord or a distraction from Satan? God often gives us a change in plans. But Satan tries to get us off into the mud and muck of uselessness. God never leads us to something that is contrary to His will. He would never lead us to do something contrary to scripture. A very wise person said "When God closes a door, He always opens a window" what can you do to circumvent a road block that is keeping you from ministering?

Pray-This seems obvious but usually we don't think of praying first. We often feel like we need to try and extricate ourselves from tough situations. God wants to hear from us as much as possible. He loves His children and especially loves it when we ask for His help and guidance. He gives His advice through His word directly, through wise friends or a godly preacher.

Praise-Rejoicing it wherever God has you is vital. If God placed us here then it is exactly where he wants us. If we are not where he wants us, we will know it better and sooner if we are staying close to him and his word.

Perseverance-If you are not sure what to do keep on doing what you have been doing (providing it's a godly thing) God can steer you easier when you are already in motion.

In the last few years I have noticed times when I was hindered from going where I wanted to on the roads. Then after the lights changed green, or the hinderance was removed I went along the road and saw a fender bender or worse... it was then I realized that had I not been hindered I might have been in those accidents. So now when things don't go the way I think they should I stop and think and remind my self... "God has allowed this for a reasons"

When we see Christ-words by Esther Kerry Rusthio:

Oft times the day seems long, our trials hard to bear,

We're tempted to complain, to murmur and despair;

But Christ will soon appear to catch His Bride away

All tears forever over in God's eternal day.

Refrain

It will be worth it all when we see Jesus,Life's trials will seem so small when we see Christ;One gliimpse of His dear face all sorrow will erase,So bravely run the race till we see Christ.

http://my.homewithgod.com/heavenlymidis2/seechrist.html