Red Light, Green Light

Bible Reading: Proverbs 16:1-3, 9; 19:20-21

“I’m really sorry you didn’t make the team, Declan,” Dad said as they drove home from hockey tryouts.

“Me too,” said Declan between sniffs. “I practiced so much and tried so hard, and I did yardwork all summer to earn money for skates and a helmet.”

“It must not be God’s plan for you right now,” Dad said. “You’ve been struggling with math and keeping your grades up this year. Next year may be easier.”

“I don’t think there will be a next year for hockey,” Declan said. “Not for me! I already did my best, and it wasn’t good enough.”

Just then they stopped for a red light. After waiting a moment, Dad sighed. “Look at that—we’ve got a red light. Now we can’t go home, and that’s a shame because Mom has supper waiting for us!”

Declan looked puzzled. “What do you mean, Dad? A red light won’t keep us from getting home. It will turn green in a minute.”

Dad shook his head sadly. “Maybe there will never be another green light—not for us.”

“Daaad!” Declan protested. Just then a heavy truck whipped through the intersection. “Wow! I’m glad we weren’t in his way!” Declan exclaimed. “Good thing the light was red.” Almost immediately, the light changed. “There! Now it’s green,” Declan said, and they continued on their way.

Dad grinned. “Red lights are for our benefit—to keep us safe as we travel,” he said, “and sometimes we get a red light in life too. We need to remember that God can see what we can’t. He sees what lies ahead in our lives. Perhaps He sees some reason why this isn’t a good year for you to be on the hockey team. Maybe He doesn’t want you to play on the hockey team at all but has something else in mind for you. Just remember that He loves you and has great plans for His children. When you get a red light in life, remember that you belong to Him and trust Him to show you the way He wants you to go.”

Declan sighed. “I guess you’re right, Dad. I’ll just have to wait and see if I get a green light for hockey next year.” Joyce R. Lee

How About You?

Do you get upset or impatient when things don’t go the way you’d like? Do you get discouraged when you get a red light in your life? Whatever it is, trust God. If you know Jesus, you are His child, and He has a plan for you. He sees what’s around every bend in your life’s path and is always there to help you and guide you. Trust Him to lead you where He wants you to go.

Today’s Key Verse:
Proverbs 19:21 Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails. (NIV)

Today’s Key Thought:

God has a plan for your life