When the Light is Red

By Benjamin Broyles

We have all had to stop at an abnormally long red light. You don’t think anything of it really…..that is unless you are in a hurry to get somewhere, or you are late for a meeting. Then that red light can become your worst enemy!

In this same way, whenever we have goals and desires that we are going towards with full force and then something impedes us, we get impatient, irritated, depressed and sometimes downright angry.

We might start asking “what did I do wrong? Why has God impeded my good plans? What do I do now? Why has this happened when everything was going so well? When will the light turn green?”

I believe God puts these “red light” periods in our lives to grow, prepare, and sometimes even prevent us from falling face first.

At a conference I heard Dr. Sisk say “not only are the steps of a good man ordered by the Lord, but the STOPS of a good man are ordered by the Lord as well.”

God uses STOPS to mold and prepare us for the continuing on of our journey.

David is a prime example to us of waiting on God and His timing. David was anointed king of Israel, but it was not until many years later, and several encounters with Saul, that God made him king over all Israel. But through all these trials and tests, David waited patiently for the Lord to give him the “green light”.

Psalms 37:7-9 “Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him: Fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, Because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass. Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: Fret not thyself in any wise to do evil. For evildoers shall be cut off: But those that wait upon the Lord, they shall inherit the earth.”

Psalms 40:1 “I waited patiently for the Lord; And he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.”

Psalms 52:9 “I will praise thee for ever, because thou hast done it: And I will wait on thy name; for it is good before thy saints.”

When God has us stopped at a Red Light, it is either to clear the way, prepare us for the way, or both. God knows each step to the path of our life, and He knows what is best for you and me.

Where does God have you? Are you at a stop light? If so, how are you getting prepared for the next part of the journey? We must not be inactive while we are waiting for the green light. Be proactive. There is always work to be done, even when the light is RED.