Monday, January 5, 2015

The Road to Nowhere

 

 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. – Romans 8:28 NIV
      
      
Eighty years ago private landowners in Swain County, North Carolina, were forced to give up their property, which had been in their families for generations, when the government created the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Entire communities had to relocate. Access to ancestral burial grounds was lost when the Fontana Dam was built and the route was submerged beneath the waters of a vast manmade lake.      

To appease the people, the government promised to build a road through the park that would give them access to the ancient cemeteries. And so construction on Lakeview Drive began—and halted six miles into the park when environmental issues arose. The promised road ended with a tunnel and has remained that way to this day.


      
Although eventually the environmental issues were resolved and the feds paid the county $52 million in lieu of finishing the road, the locals, feeling betrayed, renamed Lakeview Drive to “The Road to Nowhere.” A sign was erected: “Welcome to The Road to Nowhere. A Broken Promise. 1943 – ?”
      
We visited The Road to Nowhere last fall during our camping trip to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and we walked through the dank, dark tunnel. True, the paved road ended when we emerged on the other side, but I wouldn’t call it “nowhere.” Golden trees framed hiking trails which wound through the mountains. True, this wasn’t what was promised, but it is what it is.
      
Life can be like that. Sometimes the road we’re on doesn’t lead us to where we expect or where we want to go. Sometimes we run into a dead end. Broken promises break our hearts and our trust. We can’t see how we can go on.
      
But it doesn’t lead to nowhere. All roads lead to somewhere. Just sometimes not where we’d chosen.
      
The older I get, the more I understand the wisdom of accepting and adapting. And moving on.
      
I’m not saying it’s easy—giving up those dreams, rebuilding your life after hope has been shattered.
      
But it can be done—with guts, gumption, grit—and God.
      
You see, I believe in a God who can transform what’s bad in your life into something good, what’s broken into something usable. A God who can turn your weakness into His strength (2 Corinthians 12:9) and loves you far beyond what you can comprehend (Romans 8:35–39).
      
He’s always in your corner (Romans 8:31) and wants to bless you exceedingly abundantly above all you can ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20). He’s a faithful Father who showers you with fresh mercies every morning (Lamentations 3:23) and who doesn’t break promises (2 Timothy 2:13).
      
So, dear child of God, “do not fear. Do not let not your hands grow weak. The LORD, your God, is in your midst, a warrior who gives great victory. He will rejoice over you with gladness, he will renew you in his love; he will exult over you with loud singing as on the day of a festival” (Zephaniah 3:16–17)
      
Remember that it’s God who’s in control, no matter what road you find yourself on.
     
      
Remind me, Lord, as I walk this uncertain road called life, that every road I walk with You will lead to somewhere wonderful. Amen.
Special-Tea: Read Lamentations 3:19–26

4 comments:

  1. Michele, what an inspiring post. It's just what I need this morning as I watch my husband decline and the road ahead uncertain. But because I am a friend of God and he is my Savior I know that I will be led to the abundance that is beyond the tunnel.

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  2. I'm so sorry that you and Charles must travel this road, Karen. Keeping you both uplifted to the throne of grace and mercy. I love what your daughter wrote in the comment section of your latest post. You ARE an inspiration, friend, example, role model, mentor, a wonderful Christian woman!

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  3. I have heard The Lord say "this is the way, walk ye in it." At times, that road seemed and looked so uncertain I was afraid. However, when I remember who He is, I am compelled to literally "run" down that road just to see what He has I store for me! Thanking Him for the truth of His Word... And for your post, Michele.

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    1. What a comfort to know wherever we are, HE is! Keep walking by faith, dear friend!

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