When God gives a green light, but only for one block, can you trust Him? “It is good that one should hope and wait quietly…” Lamentations 3:26

It is a gorgeous sunny afternoon in East Texas. I am in a time crunch going across town to my next assignment. There are traffic lights along the way to direct me and everyone else out that afternoon. As I slow down to approach the first red light, it turns green! I quickly thank God for answering my prayers. My rejoicing is short-lived, however, as I complete the city block and approach the second light: it changes from yellow to red right before my eyes! To top it off, that is not the only red light I get. Over the next six intersections I encounter six red lights! What was God thinking?? I will never get back to IAA on time!
But He was thinking. He was thinking about me. My character needed a little adjusting that day. (Okay, a great deal of adjusting!) God showed me a picture about life with those traffic lights that day. Sometimes in life, God gives us a green light. Like clear direction in taking the next step. We ask, and He answers, as He is always so faithful to do. Sometimes we rejoice, when it goes “our way”, forgetting that He is sovereign and can see the bigger picture. Our vision is limited to the here and now because we are human. And, sometimes, His answers are not what we were expecting. He does not always give a green light at the time of our asking.

When we encounter a yellow light, it can mean we are going in the right direction but we need to take caution and slow down. Take time to refocus on what God’s purpose is for you. Are you still following hard after Him? Are you taking a different route to fulfill your own desires? Often, God’s plan of action includes a time of trusting in Him. A yellow light indicates change. Be prepared to listen and hear what direction God is about to give. Trusting in the Lord may appear like a red light, where faith is a required element of survival. Maybe you cannot see past the red light He has you at right now. That’s okay. Take the time to rest in His sovereignty, knowing that He is your strength in your time of weakness. I think patience comes in the same package with faith. Remember, His timing is perfect.

So, whatever direction He is giving you this season, green to go ahead, yellow to take time out and slow down, or red to stop and take a faith test, rejoice in Him! It is you He is concerned about. Think about the purpose in which He has created you, next time He has you at a traffic light.

And maybe while you wait, consider if He would like for you to be involved