The Bend in the Road
Author: Helen Steiner Rice
Sometimes we come to life's crossroads
And we view what we think is the end.
But God has a much wider vision
And he knows that it's only a bend-
The road will go on and get smoother
And after we've stopped for a rest,
The path that lies hidden beyond us
Is often the path that is best.
So rest and relax and grow stronger,
Let go and let God share your load
And have faith in a brighter tomorrow-
You've just come to a bend in the road.
Years ago, I was a reader and then I went to college where I was forced to read in order to get a passing grade. I used that as my excuse not to read anymore. This past year, I have put "Read" on my "to do" list. I am currently reading A Bend in the Road by Dr. David Jeremiah. I started to read the book hoping that it would help me be an encouragement to friends who are dealing with cancer. Dr. Jeremiah's "bend in the road" was cancer.
While living in Minnesota, I experienced many bends in my road. I learned to ask the Lord, "What am I to learn from this?" I knew that eventually everything would work out and my life would be better for the event. I knew that it was a growing time for me. Ashamedly, I have to admit, that I lost that understanding or let's call it faith. Maybe getting married and having the ranch that I always dreamed of owning put me in a self-reliant mode. I was living my dream. Then came a bend in the road and life was not as pleasant as it used to be. Once again, I knew that the Lord was working in my life, but I was not able to say, "Lord, what do you want me to learn from this?"
Dr. Jeremiah's book has shown me so many truths from the scripture. Truths that were taught to him as he went through his bend in the road.
Last night, I was not able to sleep. I finally gave up, came out to the living room and turned on the television. Walker Texas Ranger came on. For some reason, I like to watch the fancy moves when he fights and the fact that he can take on several guys at one time and win. So I watched the last 45 minutes of the show.
The episode was about a wealthy young man who believed his dad's attorney's could get him out of any situation. The wealthy father took his son's side no matter what he did. The young man was dealing drugs and was about to make a huge sale when Walker and his rangers arrived to break it up. This was happening in the dad's huge office building. Walker and associates did their fancy fighting and the son threatened him with the usual "I'll get off" attitude. Here is the part that hit me hard last night. The dad was behind some bookcases, walked out and confronted his son.
Son: "Dad, what are you doing here?"
Dad: "Walker told me he would give up being a Texas ranger if we didn't find you in this building today. Looks like he gets to keep his job. Even my attorneys can't get you out of this one."
The dad then turns around and walks off. He turned his back on his son and left.
The son pleaded, "Dad, Don't turn your back on me!"
I was reminded of Jesus on the cross (pg. 89 in the book) and how he quoted Psalm 22. "My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46)
"The Lord Jesus Christ not only felt forsaken, He was forsaken. The Father turned His back on Jesus because He was a holy and just God who could not look upon the sin that Jesus carried to the cross--your sin and mine."
" 'My god, My God,' He cried out, 'Why have you forsaken Me?' He was forsaken indeed--but we are never forsaken. Here is the truth you must fully comprehend and stake your life upon if you remember no other words from this chapter: He turned His back upon His Son so that He would never have to turn His back on you."
Hebrews 13:5: "For he himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you."
Quotes taken from A Bend in the Road, but Dr. David Jeremiah.
-
