The road we take

The 1964 Mercury Comet is the first family car I remember from childhood. The back glass had a shelf just big enough for me to lie on while we traveled down the highway (before seatbelt protection). Baby blue in color, the car came with an AM radio and a large, folded map in the glove box.
In the ‘60s, the map was our Global Positioning System. With Dad in the driver’s seat, Mom became quite the expert at reading the map and navigating us to our destination. Our destination was usually to visit other family members who lived far away.
I learned to appreciate the beauty of the open road from my view through the back glass. The winding roads that led us to new destinations were more than just a means of transportation – they were a gateway to family reunions and summer fun. Each journey blended excitement, anticipation, and the joy of seeing our extended family. Regardless of where we traveled, we were welcomed with warm hugs and good food.
Fast-forward 60 years, and I have realized that life is nothing more than a variety of spiritual road trips, and scripture is the “God-positioning system” of my soul.
Sometimes, the GPS is easy to follow, and the roadway is clearly marked. Then there are those times when the path is not so easily seen, and heartache comes my way.
Quite often, the road we take will have moments of grief. Even Jesus wept (John 11:35). The Book of Lamentations will recount all the sorrows of man.
Yet nestled within this book of lamenting is one of the most significant promises known to man: a promise of love and protection from the tragedies of this world. The compassion of the Lord will be renewed every morning (Lamentations 3:22-24).
I wish life stayed as simple as the back glass, but it doesn’t. The detours along the way can be painful even for the most faithful of people. We are not immune to heartache just because we have faith. God sends the rain for the righteous and the unrighteous (Mathew 5:45).
However, as believers, we know the Lord stands at each turn and will carry us through the pain if we wait on Him.
We see the depth of God’s compassion through the story of a widow from Nain. In a moment of her deepest grief, Jesus met her at the city gate. With the loss of her only son, her future looked bleak. Seeing her pain, He said, “Don’t cry!” At that moment, Jesus was moved with compassion and restored the young man’s life. The Lord returned to the woman what had been lost (Luke 7:11-17).
Like the widow, I know there are times when our lives look bleak. Even so, the Lord desires nothing less than to turn our mourning into dancing (Psalm 30:11).
We serve a God of restoration. Faith in Him will sustain us through the challenges of life. Ultimately, no matter how long and winding our journey may be, we can find comfort in knowing that the Lord is always waiting for at the end of the road. His love and mercy will guide us through the most challenging stretches of our journey.
When we trust Him, we can face any detour, sorrow, or rejection of this world. His presence will be our strength, and He will be our peace.
Isaiah 40:31 But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.

Cheryl Mixon-Cruce is Pastor of Ochlockonee Bay United Methodist Church and Sopchoppy United Methodist Church.