Stay in Lane

”... let us strip off and throw aside every encumbrance (unnecessary weight) and that sin which so readily (deftly and cleverly) clings to and entangles us, and let us run with patient endurance and steady and active persistence the appointed course of the race that is set before us”

—Hebrews 12:1

“Wait for green,” the traffic sign read.

As opposed to what? I wondered. Doesn't every licensed driver know to wait for green before venturing through the intersection?

“Beware of aggressive drivers,” the next sign also caught my attention.

What? They have to post a sign for this? Where I come from the signs read, “Beware of deer crossing.” But aggressive drivers? What state is this?

I was traveling through Pennsylvania and New Jersey when I spotted those signs, so I’m not sure which one gets the credit. But I do know which state gets the credit for the sign I read this week—it’s where I come from, my own beloved Maryland.

“Use caution. Stay in lane.”

Perhaps I’m missing something, because again as opposed to what? Doesn't every driver know that?

In all fairness to Maryland, I have to convey that the sign was posted along a road under construction. Crews had cut grooves in the pavement to create a bonding surface for a new layer of asphalt. Meanwhile they created a bumpy ride. Drivers have to use caution, for these bumps have the tendency to jerk the wheel in another direction.

At first glance, these signs seemed ridiculous. Weren't their warnings just common sense? Then I wondered, Could these warnings be applied to life? Do we also need a reminder of what may seem like just common sense?

Do we sometimes fail to wait for green? Do we plunge in with both feet without getting a clear signal from God? If we do, we may find the results as disastrous as a traffic accident.

And what about those aggressive drivers—like customers who cut in line or back-biting colleagues who race to get to the top before us? How do we respond? In like manner?

The bible says, “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it’” (Isaiah 30:21).

We “wait for green” when we listen for the voice of God. His voice will direct us on the route that He has set for us. And “we must get rid of every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and run with endurance the race set out for us” (Hebrews 12:1).

There will be times when aggressive drivers cut in on us.

“You were running a good race. Who cut in on you to keep you from obeying the truth? That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you.”—Galatians 5:7-8

That kind of persuasion comes from the enemy and it can derail us. Let us learn to discern the voice of God, for His voice is truth. Let us be open to His instruction and correction.

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.”—Psalm 32:8

When we lean on God for direction, He will not fail us. He will strengthen us with “superhuman energy” (Colossians 1:29 AMP) to run the race, throwing off every encumbrance (unnecessary weight) and sin which so readily (deftly and cleverly) clings to and entangles us (Hebrews 12:1 AMP).

It doesn't mean it will be a smooth ride, for sin (cleverly) clings to us. Getting rid of it is like major road construction, which requires stripping and grooving and resurfacing. And if a road could talk, I bet it would say it's a painful process. Such is the case when we strip off layers of sin in our lives, replacing them with new life in Christ. Sometimes we hit a bump and veer off in the wrong direction. But He is there to catch us and redirect.

“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”—Deuteronomy 31:8

He will stick close to you throughout the ride. He is a friend that sticks closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24)—and stronger than asphalt.

Let us trust Him, “wait for green” and “stay in lane.”

Dear Father, You have set a race before me. May I run it with endurance, throwing aside every weight. Please strengthen me to press on, holding the wheel steady to stay in my lane when the road gets rough and temptations distract my focus. Amen.