Dark gray skies hung over the skyline. Persistent rain fell across the entire city as we headed for home. Traffic snarled and crept along, making the drive even more miserable. Signs appeared along the edge of the freeway announcing a construction zone ahead. Deep sighs escaped our lips as we prepared for more delays. I settled back, realizing the way in front of us had stopped completely. Why were so many roads under construction all the time? Just as one project finished, another one started. It felt like a never-ending cycle of traffic congestion for a motorist.
Life Construction
Sometimes, it feels like my life is always under construction as well. I think I have my Christian walk all figured out; then God digs up the road in front of me and reroutes me. All I want is for the pathway to be clear and life to be comfortable. I knew I would tread the less traveled road with Christ, but all the work zones can make the journey tiring and leave me guessing my choice of routes.
Philippians 1:6 (NIV) being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
Once I exit God’s construction area, I soon see the beauty of the new pathway He created. The potholes of my sin get smoothed over. Fresh tar covers the damage caused by doing too much on my own. This way now feels new and exciting once again. The painful restructuring provides a new direction, and a renewed sense of purpose. I am thankful for the remade me.
For every house is built by someone, but the builder of all things is God.
Hebrews 3:4 (ESV)
God’s Plans
Are you living in God’s construction zone currently? Hold on, God’s plans for your life are far better than anything you imagine. He will mold you and shape to fulfill His purpose. And, sometimes, He will remold you and reshape you for another goal. We are the clay in the potter’s almighty hands, and He will form us for His plans. I pray for you and your journey. May your ways clear and may the Lord continue to bless you.
Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for special purposes and some for common use?
Romans 9:21 (NIV)
Prayer
My heavenly Father, please help me appreciate the times of construction You perform in my life. Please grant me patience during these times of changes. Thank you for the many blessings Your hand provides to me. Help me draw closer to You daily. In Christ’s name I pray. Amen.
Amen. Thank you for your encouragement to look towards the smoothed over potholes and open traffic patterns. I remember when they widened the only north/south highway leading into downtown Denver: The process took ten infuriating years but even now, I have trouble remembering what it was like commuting into downtown when it was only 3 lanes. (I do know it took my mom an hour each way- and that was before Denver’s population explosion!)
My path to marrying my godly husband was wrought with painful construction for the both of us, and it sometimes felt like the paving was taking forever! I’m happy we both were open to God doing the work in us individually and that he continues to take his jackhammer to our rough spots.
Amen Candice. I’m so glad your construction zone (personal & traffic) are smoothing out. We will experience others, but with God things are much better. Blessings
Thank you, Yvonne, for this timely and perfect reminder. I needed it today.
So glad it provided. God is faithful in always giving us what we need to hear. Blessings Craig.
Such truths here Ms. Yvonne. As Christians, I think we’ll all be “Under Construction” until that upward call towards glorification. While I look forward to that day, I pray daily that God help me to keep my cup clean and refilled as He pours me out in His service. To do that, I have to be willing to let Him dig around and re-route me as often as He needs to. I often times don’t like it, but recognize it’s a necessary part of our sanctification. God’s blessings ma’am.
All the digging is necessary but can be so uncomfortable at time. But, praise the Lord that He loves us enough to keep working on us. Thanks JD. Blessings to you and the Mrs.
I’m like that road–always under construction. Just like roads need constant repair, so do I. I’m so thankful that our Father doesn’t give up on us–He is persistent in encouraging and guiding us on the path to righteousness. Thank you for this inspiring message, Yvonne.
Me too Katherine. Just when I think I have my life all fixed, another pothole appears that needs work. Praising God for never giving up on me. Blessings
This line says it all: “ I knew I would tread the less traveled road with Christ, but all the work zones can make the journey tiring and leave me guessing my choice of routes.” So so true! May we keep the faith and press on while keeping our focus on God to get us through!
Amen Jessica. May we always battle through the fatigue and doubt to keep proclaiming the Good News to the world. Blessings
Yes, Yvonne, I need construction continuously…more than the roads! I will probably ever take down the yellow construction zone tape as I find myself taking 3 steps back for every step forward. Thank you for your prayer and I trust in God’s work as the potter and the perfecter.
Thank you Stephen. Looking back over the construction zones of my life I can see that many are to resurface spots that had been fixed. Praise the Lord for his grace and mercy. Blessings
Amen. His plans are always the best. I’m a work in progress and am thankful God is leading.
Amen Melissa. We can never be complete until we reach those heavenly shores. Thanks and blessings
For me, being in God’s construction zone is a lifelong project. There’s always some aspect of my life in need of the Savior’s gentle touch or His relentless reformation of me to be a woman after God’s own heart.
I think we all need his gentle touch in our lives daily. He has lots of work to do in my life. Thanks Melinda. Blessings
I definitely have seasons where I feel like my life is a construction zone. I just had a season where God was doing a lot of internal work and it wasn’t fun, but it was good.
Amen. We all do and some are very uncomfortable but God is good
As one whose life is constantly under construction, I love the analogy you use here with road construction. A bane of my existence! May we learn to surrender each hours to God as He works to complete the good work He began in us.
Thanks Candyce. I agree 100 percent. I try to surrender but don’t always do it well. Blessings
Yvonne, powerful introduction and analogy! I’ve often felt “under construction.” Love how you said, “God’s plans for your life are far better than anything you imagine. He will mold you and shape to fulfill His purpose.” So good!
Thanks Karen. Blessings
What an excellent and relatable analogy, Yvonne! Construction usually involves some tearing down and digging. No wonder it’s so uncomfortable at times. But we sure do enjoy the smooth highway when it’s completed (though it sometimes feels like you’re waiting forever).
I agree wholeheartedly. We need it but it feels like it takes forever. Thanks Annie. Blessings