(pic taken in Colorado Springs)
Notice this sign.
There is no option for another way. Because there’s no flashing light, travelers must keep moving forward. The alternate route is closed at this time.
Have you ever been in a place where you wanted another option? Maybe an easier or faster way to get from point A to point B, but there seems to be none? Rough or not, you have only one option:
Keep going.
This new year started out that way for someone I love. Unfortunately because I do not have permission, I cannot share the details of what is going on. Maybe someday I can.
For this person, there is NO alternate route. Not one. The current route is beyond rough. No one would want to travel this road. It’s hard and lonely and scary.
If only there were a flashing option–an alternative route–life would be easier.
So where is God when He offers us only one road and it’s a hard one? Is He near? Does God care? I believe He does. At one time or another or even numerous times throughout our lives, I believe we all will have to travel roads with no alternative routes. But the truth is God still cares. He is close to the brokenhearted. He is with us always, even during lonely days and dark nights. His love never fails.
Often times, it’s along the rough, broken and lonely roads that we find God to be all we need. For this reason alone, I thank Him.
Today I find comfort in this Truth as I prayerfully remember my loved one. I’ve personalized it as I’ve prayed these verses over this person.
But now, God’s Message, the God who made you in the first place, (Jacob),_________
the One who got you started, (Israel):_________
“Don’t be afraid, I’ve redeemed you.
I’ve called your name. You’re mine.
When you’re in over your head, I’ll be there with you.
When you’re in rough waters, you will not go down.
When you’re between a rock and a hard place,
it won’t be a dead end—
Because I am God, your personal God,
The Holy of Israel, your Savior.
I paid a huge price for you:
all of Egypt, with rich Cush and Seba thrown in!
That’s how much you mean to me!
That’s how much I love you!
I’d sell off the whole world to get you back,
trade the creation just for you.
Isaiah 43:1-4(MSG)
(lines added where I have changed name)
Thank You, LORD, for loving us and calling us by name. Thank You for being with us with we are between a rock and a hard place. Thank You for paying the ultimate price to save us. We love You, Jesus.
This song blesses me every time I hear it, especially today.
Mmmm… thank You Jesus. Thank You for knowing me personally by name, and loving me the way You do. In Jesus' name, amen.
Amazing post and God Bless You,Tiffany for sharing this. My prayers go to the person unnamed that our Father will prayfully guide them.
Thank you for sharing this heartfelt post!
Tiffany, I can't even begin to tell you that it felt like this post was written just for me today…even though I know it wasn't. God is with us each step of the journey and that is something we all need to be reminded of.
I wish we had blinking lights at times, when we go off on the wrong road. Praise God when we listen He guides us back to where we should be. Beautiful post.
Blessings,
Rose
No alternate route. Just Jesus. He is the Only WAY.
Love,
Melanie@Bella~Mella
Thank you for the encouragement, Tiffany. I love that song too.
This is a very powerful and moving passage from Isaiah, and the Message version is fine indeed.
Blessings to you and the one who is facing difficulty.
Thanks Tiffany. I am on one of those routes with no alternate, face down, praying for God to be my FORTRESS.
And it's so easy for me to seek out an alternate route, but I know His way is the best way!
Thanks for a wonderful word of encouragement! I don't tell you enough — but your blog encourages me so!
Tiffany,
I've been so blessed to be reading a book called Where is God? It came at the perfect time for me and my health when at times I found myself questioning where was he?
I am found comfort in knowing that no matter how much it may rain, or how high the flood waters rise or even how often those storms will come, the water that God will provide will still refresh me.
Love and Hugs ~ Kat
Detours can make us lose our way…praying for your loved one as they travel down this hard path…straight into the Father's arms….
Tiffany,
What an incredible word. Loved the scripture prayer, I prayed it for myself and others I know.
Thanks for sharing your heart today.
I've missed coming by. It's so good to be back.
Now…it's catching up time.
LOVE and MISS my sweet friend.
Believing this will be the year I will get to meet you face to face!!
A very powerful and encouraging word… and I love that song, it is one I have on my ipod that I like to listen to when I cool down from my runs…
I thought of you the other day and wished I had had my camera with me. I saw a truck with words on the side that spoke to my spirit, they said "Spirit Express"… I knew it was a Word from the Lord to me…
I will pray for your friend, may God carry her down this road she is having to travel, and may He reveal Himself to her in new and marvelous ways…
Blessings!
Tiffany, what a beautiful, profound and encouraging word! I can see myself revisiting this post in the future. YOu asked if I had a word for 2010…my theme is Year of NO Fear. Blessings!
A beautiful post – I feel like I'm always looking for an alternate route, a plan B. Thank-you for the reminder that Plan Jesus is all I need!
Hi Tiffany,
Happy New Year!
Ya gotta love that sign. I've traveled the Alternate Route many times. Sometimes the only good thing about traveling the route we didn't know we'd be on is the One who accompanies us. But His grace is sufficient.
It's an adventure, isn't it? Praying that God makes His will for you in 2010 as obvious as this flashing sign.
Many blessings to you, Tiffany! 🙂
Someone I love is also on that hard, difficult road with no alternate routes (that we can see)….thank you for that prayer. I know those verses as a song as well and I am going to keep that ringing in my head. God bless – you and your loved one.
Your prayer has been heard friend. He is faithful. b
Tiffany,
I found myself nodding my head in agreement. Great words today.
When the alternate route isn't available I think it's human nature to wonder why and to seek the easy way. But it's only God who can get us the peace and strength to get through. I love the way the Psalm you shared expressed God's abundant and lavish love for us.
Blessings, my friend,
Kelli
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Ive been on the road for two years now since my husband lost his job. I kept looking for ways off and God keeps telling me this is the direction to go. I don't always like it but here I am. Trusting. Praying for you!