Rough Road Ready

Gò0dNews for Everyone

Rough Road Ready

by Heather Tate

My husband and I love to hike nature trails, and I feel like I am constantly reminding him to watch out for the roots, rocks, and ruts along the trail. The trails are well-worn and soothing to my soul. Walking alone on one of my favorite trails reminds me that sometimes, even a straight path is rough with roots, rocks, and ruts. Even when I try to keep my eyes on the trail to ensure I do not miss the obstacles that may trip me up, a foot often gets caught, and I stumble. As a believer, life is often filled with these rough roads, and they can still throw us off track if we are not rough road ready.

The trails’ roots, rocks, and ruts remind me of obstacles in life that we often face. The immovable, rigid, sometimes abrasive challenges leave us wounded and striving for a resolution and restoration. These wounds may be more profound than any physical pain, so time on the trail is time spent with the Lord. I love to invite the Lord to join me on my walk through the roots, rocks, and ruts on the trail and in life.

When we reframe our thinking with a foundation of biblical truth, we can open our hearts to the refinement and restoration that only Christ can give. Luke 24:32 (CSB) states, “They said to each other, ‘Weren’t our hearts burning within us while he was talking with us on the road and explaining the Scriptures to us?’” Inviting Jesus into our challenges and reframing our thoughts with God’s Word transforms our experience with roots, rocks, and ruts.

Let’s take a look at verses that can restore our thinking: • Roots—May we be rooted in Christ Jesus: Colossians 2:6-7 (CSB) says, “So then, just as you have received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to walk in him, being rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, and overflowing with gratitude.” • Rocks—The LORD is my rock: Psalm 18:2 (CSB) says, “The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer, my God, my rock where I seek refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” • Ruts—Blessed to endure the test: James 1:12 (CSB) says, “Blessed is the one who endures trials because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.”

When we reframe our thoughts around obstacles, we open ourselves up to accept God’s refinement in our life. He restores us when we seek and praise Him. Leaning on God allows us to face life’s obstacles and overcome them, even when they are disguised as roots, rocks, and ruts. Remember, we are commanded to be strong and courageous because the LORD is with us wherever we go (Joshua 1:9). The Word of God gets us rough road ready!

About The Author Heather Tate is the founder and president of Intricate Umbrella Inc, a Public Relations and Communications company. Heather’s desire is to help anyone fulfill their true purpose in life through education and personal development. To find out more about Intricate Umbrella Inc and services offered, visit IntricateUmbrella.com or email Heather@IntricateUmbrella.com.