It must be summer in Ohio. All the roads are filled with orange barrels and signs that read “Road Closed – Take Detour” or “Lane closed ahead – Merge” or “Reduce speed – workers ahead.” We moan and groan as we maneuver around the barrels and signs and continue our way – a bit behind schedule and probably frustrated that we are being inconvenienced by the changes in our normal/daily routines.
We are also faced with these “orange barrels” and “roadblocks” in our daily lives. Illness of a family member or ourselves, a failed relationship, financial setbacks, the death of someone close to us. When we hit these roadblocks, where do we go? Who do we reach out to? How do we cope with these detours from our normal life?
We can try to pull ourselves together, but many times we are too tired mentally and physically. Perhaps, we cannot see our way clear and lose our way. It is often only when we come to recognize that we can’t fix what is wrong in our lives or the world that we turn to the God of Hope. Romans 15:13 gives us a word of assurance saying, “May the God of Hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
We can wait, hoping that things will change. But we can find ourselves anxious, as we wait not sure what will happen next. Will things change for the better or only get worse? Philippians 4:6-9 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus… And the God of peace will be with you.” Dwelling on the bad won’t help us feel good, but if we go to the God of Peace, we can find a quiet place of rest and peace.
We can also look to others to help, comfort us, and support us. When we find that help or comfort or support from others, it is because of God’s activity. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 reminds us that God is the Source. “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” We can trust God to supply the comfort we need.
Here at Lord of Life, we have members who have trained to be that source of support and comfort. They are our Stephen Ministers. They are here to provide one-to-one care to those experiencing a difficult time in life, such as grief, divorce, job loss, chronic or terminal illness, or relocation. They share a passion for bringing Christ’s love and care to our LOL members during a time of need.
What are your “orange barrels?” Remember that where we find them, God is always with us, standing beside us, holding us up, and giving us the comfort, hope, and peace that we need to move forward. You may find a word of hope through prayer, fellowship with others, or through the work of individuals within our church such as Pastor Lowell and our Stephen Ministers. And who knows? You may even be that hope and peace for someone else who is struggling.
This summer, be patient with yourself and others. The barrels and barriers in your way may slow you down, but they don't block the love of God.
Yours in Christ,
Denise Krallman, Council President