Road Trip Reflections

Travelling from Accra to Oda this weekend, the ride had been smooth until we hit a terrible stretch of road. It was dark and raining hard and each pothole we hit made me wince.
At a point, Hubby seated next to me exclaimed in Twi; “Na ekwan papa no, asa anaa?” To wit, “is the good stretch of road exhausted”?
George, who was in the driver’s seat responded in an assuring voice; “ekwan papa no, ebi wo y’enim”, meaning there was or there would eventually be a smooth road ahead of us.

I smiled at the exchange and also because I sensed a God Moment right there! 😊

Life can get like that isn’t it? We hit a bad patch of road that never seems to end; it’s raining, it’s slippery, it’s dark and shaking us to the core! We cry out to God or to anyone who will listen, is there no end to this?

Often, all we can see is the roughness of the road and the challenges all around us and we wonder when it will come to an end. Sickness, financial crisis, marital issues, work and career challenges, bereavement and other trying life events can seem like a never-ending rough ride.

However, if we can cast our eyes beyond what we are going through, if we will listen for the still small voice of God, we will hear Him say; “ekwan papa no ebi wo y’enim”. As long as we allow Him in the driver’s seat, we can be sure we are safe no matter the state of the road! His highest purpose and desire is not just to take us to the good road but to teach us to trust Him and grow our faith in the process. Often He is saying to us; “I am journeying with you my child, I know it’s rough right now but I will bring you through it. And you know what else? This tough season is preparing you for the journey ahead and for the assignment I have for you”.

This reminded me of a song I wrote in a difficult period in my life; my last baby was going through health challenges and one of my sisters had just called me in the morning to share some difficulties she was encountering. As I sat feeding my son and reflecting on all that was going on in and around me, these words bubbled in my heart:

This too shall pass
This too shall pass
This season in my life is for a reason
The Lord will fulfill His plan and His will
This too shall pass away

The storm is raging round me
The battle is so fierce
And everywhere I turn there is no hope
But the Lord is standing by me
My victory to secure And He says; “Be still and know that I am God”

That became my song and my confession and to the glory of God that season passed, God came through for my son and for my sister!
Since then there have been more bumps along the way, dark, rough roads I didn’t quite enjoy but through it all I have come to know a God who is Fiercely Faithful, Absolutely Amazing and more than able to perfect what concerns me!

So hang on my dear friend! If you are on a treacherous stretch right now, don’t despair, lift your eyes to Jesus, you can trust Him to carry you through. Like George, our experienced driver who knew the route we were traveling very well, God knows all about you and all about your journey. He knows the beginning from the end. He assures you in His Word that He will never leave or forsake you and further says that;

“Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’”
Isaiah 41:10

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you.”
Isaiah 43:2

With Christ in your vessel, you can truly smile through every storm because you know with Him the outcome is always glorious! Yes there will be tears, yes there will be pain in the process, but God will be with you through it all to bear you up and grant you grace to journey on in faith! His Presence is our peace in the midst of it all!

Shalom!