Road blocks are common. They occur for different reasons. One road block may be set as a Road Closure, while another set for a Spot Check, or as a Search and Seizure. Road blocks are not always
bad but they often present as a hindrance to progress. Not being able to see
our way forward makes the encounter look worse than it really is.
- A Road Closure could be set because the thru-way is washed out or emanate danger lies ahead.
- A Spot Check may be used to identify persons traveling the same roads
in an unsafe manner who could endanger the lives of others.
- A Search and Seizure may be set because there is a threat and in
order to proactively prevent further damage the situation has to be
contained.
God creates road closures in our lives in much the same
way. He opens doors that no man can close (Rev. 3:8). Just as important is His
power to close doors no man can open. We love to find an open door but
we scoff at a closed one because it presents as an obstacle instead of a
protection mechanism.
He introduces Spot Checks to keep us aware of the dangers of life.
We are told to walk circumspectly in the earth or with a watchful and
wise demeanor (Eph. 5:15). We should examine our steps to ensure they are within the
guidelines of scripture and if not humbly to take corrective action (2Peter 1:10).
Thirdly, He may do a search and seizure to rid us of the dangerous
and sinful habits that corrode our relationship with Him (Rom. 13:14). Whatever we
bind on earth will also be bound in heaven and whatever we loose on
earth will be loosed in heaven (Matt. 18:18).
Regardless of the reason, being stopped is not a bad thing. The
protections God has in our lives are there to ensure He is glorified in
all things and that we are saved from destructive behaviors and the sins
that will quickly and easily surround us (Hebrews 12:1).
Paul and Silas were imprisoned for casting a daemon out of a young lady
that was employed to be a physic and provide income for powerful men.
They were falsely accused and beaten. Afterwards, they were cast into
the depths of the local jail. While there we are told they prayed and
sang praises to God. One thing I often overlooked was the important fact
that the prisoners heard them. The scriptures reveal them being in a
situation that would have made it easy to voice there innocence to all those in confinement and those employed to keep them.
Instead they used the opportunity to glorify God.
One way life presents
us with the opportunity to assess how we have been wronged is by comparing
our situations with others. That comparison can sometimes lead us to
desire that we be vindicated above all else. Paul and Silas showed
their desire to keep the God of all creation front and center while they
went through this ordeal. When the doors were opened they took the
opportunity to minister, not escape the confinement. Their perspective
was not the prison they were in, but the bondage of sin that held their
audience in captivity. They cried out to the jailer when they could have
allowed him to execute himself. They observed the right time to reach
out in love to their perceived enemy. Falsely accused and imprisoned for
serving God does not meet the expectation of modern day Christians. Neither
does it fit the modern day model of prosperity and power we suggest to each other because of our faith. Paul and Silas were more concerned with the
salvation of others than they were with the comfort of their own
reputations and success. Being falsely accused and imprisoned did not
distract them from the task of being a light in a dark place (Matt.
5:19). Will the cares of this world and the wickedness of men keep us
from revealing the grace of God to a dying world? Give them the
opportunity for liberty before they taste of death.
