Road closed

My family and I went out of Auckland recently when there had been several road closures due to stormy weather. The road we planned to take was closed because of a slip across the road and Google maps gave us another route leading us to the same destination so we continued on our way. We didn't know what the journey would look like but we knew we were going. This alternate route was frightening at times as it was almost a one-lane road with two way traffic with a large drop off to our left. As the rain began to pour I felt afraid surrounded by my thinking of and bracing for what could easily happen at any moment.

As I was reflecting on this road being closed I was reminded of a door being closed in front of me in this season of my life. This could relate to any situation or season that has been or is being brought to a close for you. The way I have felt redirected in appeared more challenging as I am no longer going the way I had planned and envisioned moving forward. As we drove through the mountain I felt afraid but I sensed that Jarred felt calm. I often feel uneasy when I do not know what the future holds but by this I was reminded that God calls us to experience this peace Jarred felt (1 Corinthians 16:14) throughout any circumstance we face and to remain calm through any storm we are experiencing. He doesn't desire us to journey alone and is always there to come alongside us when we call on Him.

I am on a continual journey of deepening my relationship with God in a way that my life can always be growing in reflecting aspects of His character despite changing circumstances around me. My vision of the future may become unclear as circumstances change but I can have the assurance that He will always continue to guide my next steps in life. For myself, I recognise I needed this door to close in a way to grow in my identity and who I am. The abrupt close helped me walk in the direction of the new door which I recognise in hindsight was needed.

Although the drive was frightening it was beautiful at the same time. I think the same is true in life too, we can often miss the beauty of the journey as we become focussed on the storm around us. I believe there is always something we can be learning. It is in the unknown and uncomfortable places where we can find and depend on God in deeper ways. Psalm 66:12 describes how a group of people went through fire and water and through that they were delivered and brought to a place of abundance. I believe although the walk ahead may be unknown or challenging the experience will have grown us and strengthened our character.

I am learning now a door closing is not always a bad thing however, it allows us to walk into something new in whatever way that may look like. Even though this door is now closing I know the Lord is doing something beautiful through it and am expectant of what's to come.

To new doors,

Anna :)