It is always a joy to welcome back Ann Dracott to our Thursday meeting.  Ann is becoming a real favourite with her visual aids and practical insights!

Ann delivered a very interesting talk about roads, and you can see from the picture, that Ann brought along a map and a Sat Nav to help us to cement some of her thoughts in our memories!

Most roads connect to somewhere and there are endless possibilities as to where we can go. It is possible these days to walk around the world! It can be an adventure, but even familiar roads can be daunting at times with the many hazards along the way. Ann likened this to our lives.

It is important to :

  • Know where you are going and the way to it. We were reminded that Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life (John 14 v 6).  The Bible is our guide to help us and the Holy Spirit too.
  • We need to be alert and equipped for the hazards we will face. There is an enemy out there who prowls around like a roaring lion seeking to trip us up and devour us (1 Peter 5 v 8). We need to resist him and stand firm.
  • We need to react wisely. No road rage! Remember, blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5 v 10-11). Learn to be patient with people. The Lord deals with us gently and with great patience so let’s be considerate with the people we meet on our journey.
  • There are many diversions and distractions on the road which can throw us off track. Fix your eyes on Jesus – stay focused ( Hebrews 12 v 2)!
  • There can be unexpected jolts on the road and in life; sometimes our fault and sometimes not. However bleak things get, Jesus has promised to be with us (Matthew 28 v 20b), journeying with us through the storm and will work for our good if we trust Him (Romans 8 v 28).
  • Traffic jams and hold ups can be so frustrating.  Do you feel a bit bogged down with things? Are you possibly doing too much? Are you doing what God wants or just filling a gap and pleasing others? Maybe you need to slow down, to be still and know that He is God and to learn what is on His heart for you!
  • See the signs and learn to recognise them! Red for no, Amber for wait and green for go!
  • Observe the speed limits else there could be a penalty to pay! The limits are there to help us arrive safely and to protect others.  There is always a consequence for our actions so don’t run ahead of God’s plan for your life.
  • Use the map (the Bible) and the Sat Nav (Holy Spirit) to assist you. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding: in all your ways acknowledge Him and He WILL direct your paths (Proverbs 3 v 5).

Ann gave many examples of Jesus meeting people on the road when He was walking. He had such a compassion for people and met them where they were. As you think about some of the things that Ann shared, think about your own journey and the way you live, and the people that you might meet and how you might respond with the love of Jesus.