"Barriers"
June 2, 2021
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
One day I was in a hurry. It happens. We all have places we need to be, a time when we need to be there, and sometimes a sense of importance as if to say “doesn’t the world know I am needed here now?” So I was in a hurry (but please note I never speed, just too old to pay for a needless ticket,) the only racing was all of the things whirling around my head saying I needed to get this done, and then this, and then this. Then everything came to a stop. There was road work, and trucks, and cones, and even a automatic gate making sure I stayed put. So many barriers to my productive day that I was sure I needed to be having.
Then I sat. In the stillness and the quiet of my truck I sat…and pondered. How joyless was my day becoming because of obligations and schedules. How frustrating were the barriers I was encountering. I sat….and I prayed. I think the situation was God’s way of slowing me down, even stopping me in my tracks. I took a breath, I prayed, and this verse came to my mind.
In the farewell discourse of John’s Gospel, Jesus tells his disciples many important lessons. Acknowledging that we will all have challenging days helps us cope. Knowing that Jesus has already overcome our challenges and is already on the other side of them gives us assurance. Even when we are sitting behind a gate, and cones, and trucks.
Sometimes life moves way too fast. Sometimes the demands seem endless. Sometimes it feels like we are spinning our wheels, or swimming to the surface, or sitting behind a traffic barrier just waiting to get going again. Let’s use these moments to draw closer to God, and to hear God remind us that God doesn’t want us to go through this beautiful life hurrying, rushing, or even being grumpy. We are called by name,we are instruments of peace, and a means of grace. And we should be joyful, because whatever barrier we may be facing, Jesus is already on the other side. Let’s just joyfully journey towards Christ.
PRAYER: Gracious God, the days are hectic and filled. There are commitments, uncertainties, and challenges. Help us to overcome our barriers by simply coming into your presence and experiencing your peace. Walk with us today around and through all our barriers. In the name of our Savior Jesus we pray. Amen.