Dead End

Years ago, Mel and I were looking for a house that would put us in the school district that our last child, Molly wanted to go. We came upon a house that we were crazy about but was not yet listed and we made a verbal offer, which was accepted and then followed it with a written one. All was well, or so we thought. Before the other party signed the papers, someone else came in behind us with what we figure must have been a much better offer and without flurry we were the losers in the deal. We had hit a dead end. The door was closed and disappointment, and frustration and really anger set in...and why ...because the hope was gone! I suspect you have been there and can relate at one time or another in your life. Maybe it wasn't a real estate event, maybe it was a relationship matter, or a deal breaker, or a shattered dream. But if it ended in a dead end then chances are that you too felt the emotions that come with being in a tight spot or a road end.

I sat in bible study this week and Pam's topic was dead ends. There were several bible references but of course the greatest reference of all was Christ's apparent dead end. He was at the end of his road...or so the watching world believed. And even Christ, the purest of all, the greatest of all, the wisest of all, the authority over all (even the demons), went to his father asking for help at the dead end of his road. If it is possible Father, could you make way for an alternative move. The answer was no because God knew how his glory was to unfold through the tragic death of his only son. And his glory would be the platform for all believers to be able to come, without debt for their sins, to his throne of grace and forgiveness.

We did not get that house because God knew what he had in store for us down another road. He covered us during that initial time with his protection,
his persuasion, and his provision for a most wonderful home months later that we still live in today. But at the time I was filled with emotions that were not founded on trust or faith or even hope. They were desires on my own manifested wantings. Sure I had prayed...but God doesn't always answer prayers as we intend them to be answered, and this particular time his answer to me was no...on this one...because he knew he had something greater. He usually does when he says no.

In her outline Pam suggested the following truths:
1) Dead ends provide a platform for God to display His GLORY!
(Exodus 13 & 14
2) Dead ends invite us to look UP!
3) Dead ends help us to let go of control and accept alternate options!
2 Samuel 15:25-26, Matthew 20:20
4) Dead ends lead to life.

I tell you the story about the house because truly it is one of those lessons that I use as a "trust story" backdrop on so many occasions. It is one of my "go to" places when I need to be reminded to trust God in all situations....even when I hit a dead end. He has been faithful on every front. Sometimes it takes a while for me to recognize his hand but in retrospect, it has been there the whole time. When you find yourself facing a dead end, and there seems to be no apparent way out, it is important to hang on to that little thread of hope, and know with all of your heart that God is watching and he know your heartfelt desires. But he also knows His best is always greater than our good.....and he will allow our wants, and our desires to be sacrificed for His riches which he deems worthy. He is on our road...he is there when you and I hit dead end and are confronted with disappointment and disillusionment, anger or fear and he will help us to fight those emotions and be confident in His ultimate ways for our lives.

Exodus 14:14 The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still."
God calls us to trust him, just as Christ did. We have our example...it is Christ! He lives and abides within each of our hearts. Consider a dead end merely a push for God's new beginning. Just like a closed door... There is something else better on the next road. Trust that! From every dead end, God has led me to His next best thing. When you hit a dead end, just be watching, for God's next best thing is on the way! It will be out of His love, out of His goodness, and for His glory!

Dear Lord, we all end up facing a dead end at one time or another. When we do help us to look up and give you an opportunity through our faithfulness to display your glory. Amen

Praise God wherever you are and whatever situation He has allowed you to be in . . . His glory will shine through!