by   Denny Hook

If you’ve read any of my previous posts, you’re noticing that I present everyday life situations first, then use them to express some spiritual truth. The purpose of my writing is as stated, “Discovering Jesus in Everyday Life”, so here goes.

We all drive on the same roads. It doesn’t matter if they are concrete or blacktop (“tar” if you’re from the South). One thing they all have in common are speed bumps, rumble strips and potholes. They vary in height, depth, width and frequency.

Speed bumps and rumble strips were designed and installed for a specific purpose, and that is to get your attention. After that the expected behavior change would be to either slow down or stop. Speed bumps are mostly found in places where there would be heavy pedestrian traffic with cross walks such as: parking lots in front of stores, schools, parks, mobile home parks, and playgrounds where children are present. They are used in big plants that have their own roads and want to maintain low speed limits. Sometimes they have signs alerting you of them, or maybe they are painted a bright yellow. They usually are across the whole road so there is no way to avoid them. They often vary in height from 2-6 inches. If you ignore them, plan on replacing your shock absorbers or struts frequently, or having more visits to your chiropractor for neck adjustments.

Rumble strips are cut perpendicular into the road. They are spaced evenly apart and vary in depth. They are most commonly used at intersections to alert you of an upcoming stop. Many highways now use them on the shoulders. They are also being installed more frequently down the center of two lane roads. When you drive over them your tires make a very loud noise, and you feel like you’re driving on a washboard. Some are so deep it feels like your vehicle is shaking apart. If you ignore the wake up call from rumble strips, you could have a serious accident or run off the roadway.

Potholes are a whole different thing altogether. They are usually a result of weather and temperature changes that deteriorate the roadway. They appear randomly on any part of the road, no two are alike in size, and they only get worse until repaired. The biggest cause in northern states is when water seeps through cracks and then the freezing in winter causes expansion. The pressure almost explodes the surface and the traffic is what makes the hole as it pushes the material in all directions. Flooding also can cause erosion which creates potholes. The difference between speed bumps and rumble strips is that potholes can be avoided if you see them in time or know where they are in advance. Something that I just don’t get is to see people who drive the same street or highway every day, yet continue to hit the same potholes. They don’t slow down or even try to avoid them. Rough railroad tracks are just as bad. (sorry Tim) Don’t they realize that can throw your steering alignment off which can ruin their tires? My attitude about potholes is like the old saying with a twist, “If I hit you once, shame on you. If I hit you twice, shame on me.” The bottom line is this: speed bumps, rumble strips, and potholes all have consequences if ignored.

We all travel life’s highway and encounter speed bumps, rumble strips and pot holes. Those events that seem to come out of nowhere and catch us off guard, but they sure get our attention. Some, like the speed bumps, are intended to slow us down. Without them we would continue our fast pace journey through life never examining ourselves, or question if the path we’re on is the right one, and where it even leads to. Others like the rumble strips are more intense. They not only get our attention, but shake us to the core with warnings if we begin to veer off the path or fail to stop. I believe that God controls and strategically places speed bumps and rumble strips in our lives to: get our attention, to test and grow our faith, reveal what’s in our hearts, give us opportunity to repent if needed, and to help us find His will for our lives. There are no doubt more specific reasons that are tailor made to fit each person. Before I go further, I need to clarify that I’m not necessarily talking about those things that happen over which we have no control, such as: the death of a loved one, a sudden illness or injury, unexpected lay-off or job loss, car accident or breakdown, weather related stuff, or any number of other tragedies. Yes, God allows those things, however, I think the key is how we react and by the words we speak in those situations. In the book of Job, we read how he lost everything, yet he didn’t sin with his mouth or charge God with wrong. In fact, it says he fell to the ground and worshiped. As stated in Romans 8:28, “We know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” God can also use speed bumps, rumble strips, and pot holes to bring correction and discipline as it says in Hebrews 12:1-13. Yes, there can be negative consequences for ignoring SBRSP’s, but obedience can likewise bring blessings. It boils down to your attitude and response; the choice is yours.

I see so many people with anger issues, so I’ll use that as an example to explain how this plays out. If you have an anger problem, don’t be surprised if you continually find yourself in situations that bring that anger to the surface. That’s a speed bump. You have a choice; slow down and deal with it, or just keep going full speed with a flurry of words and blame everyone else. If you choose the later, get ready for some rumble strips to rock your world. If you insist on ignoring those warnings, brace yourself for the potholes. Here’s the deal: Anger left unchecked breeds resentment, resentment breeds unforgiveness, which leads to bitterness, and bitterness seeks revenge. Each step is a spiral downward and makes that pothole bigger and bigger until it swallows you up. Finally, there you are in the bottom of a hopeless pit with no way out, with only yourself to blame.

However, the good news is there is a way out, but once again it’s a matter of choice. The prophet Jonah found himself in the same situation, but listen to what he said. Jonah 2: 2,6 – “I cried out to the Lord because of my affliction, and He answered me. You have brought up my life from the pit.” Friend, aren’t you tired of hitting the same pothole over and over? Jesus is the only one who can rescue you, and all you must do is call out to Him like Jonah. He will come and save you.