The other day Kensley saw a curve caution sign and commented, “That sign is telling us to go into the woods.” Then, she made a sound to express her confusion and followed it with, “We can’t go into the woods.”
I just replied, “No, we are not going to go into the woods. We are about to go into a curve.”
I laughed inside because the sign did look like it was telling us to go into the woods. The arrow was pointing to trees and brush. But what I knew that she didn’t was that the sign was foretelling what was coming, not giving us instructions for that moment.
At one time, I was like her not know how to read the signs, and on occasion, I may still misinterpret them. However, I am quicker to listen and pray than act on the things I see. Now I more readily realize w
hen the signs do not call for an immediate reaction but for preparation for what is ahead. That understanding came with practice and time.
This situation made me think of times when I did not pray and listen before I acted. God would show me something, and I would think it was a call to action. Considering what I saw, I would be confused about what to do but feel driven to act. After worrying about it and planning to go into the woods, foreseeing the repercussion of it usually stopped me. Why would God call me to do something as silly as driving into the woods towar
d an inevitable crash? The last thought would make me pause and ask for wisdom.
I am becoming slower to react and more prone to pray and respond, especially when my interpretation of the signs calls for something that sounds absurd. Now I question the benefit, the consequences, and wisdom of my planned actions.
I am grateful that most times, even in the past, that I listened to God’s voice when He spoke, “We are not going into woods.” I am also thankful for His mercy when I charge ahead, misreading the signs. I am grateful when they have resulted in invaluable lessons on wisdom and discernment rather than life-altering ordeals.
We can know if what we see is a sign of caution or a call to action through maturity and godly wisdom or simply asking Him who showed it to us. God is doesn’t mind telling us, “No, we are not going into the woods. Instead, I am trying to show you what you need to prepare for.” If our interpreted calls to action have no scriptural bases, no kingdom profitability, or no God-honoring mandates, it probably needs to be discarded and the sign re-interpreted. It is time to ask God how what we see applies to our lives and what we are supposed to do with that information.
Preparation is essential during our Christian journey, and we should take the warning signs to heart.
They can be calling us to fervent prayer, an attitude adjustment, conditioning of our hearts, some subject-specific Bible Study, a lifestyle change, or all the above. Whatever God is calling us to, it is to equip and strengthen us to handle what is ahead. So, whatever has been shown to you, allow a beat to ask God for an accurate interpretation and instruction before proceeding.
Verses of Encouragement.
Proverbs 4:7 “Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do! And whatever else you do, de
velop good judgment.
Proverbs 3:5-7 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Don’t be impressed with your wisdom. Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil."
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