Caught On A Curve


When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the LORD your God …… Isaiah 43:2-3

For those of you who have done any country driving, you will no doubt have come across those curves in the road which look harmless enough as you approach, but which need concentration and care to negotiate safely. Most of them have signage to warn of the recommended safe speed and it pays to heed the warning, but sometimes it is easy to get caught on a curve traveling a little too fast and then wishing that there was a way of escape. The only thing we can do is concentrate, hold the wheel steady and complete the manoeuvre. Sometimes that bend will almost take us in a full circle if we are in hilly country. Sometimes I have wondered if the bend will ever end.

In life we can get caught on such curves. Situations arise – perhaps sickness, misfortune, family problems, or challenges with our children. Suddenly we find ourselves in uncomfortable territory and like those curves in the road, all we can do is “hang onto the wheel”, concentrate (i.e. pray and press into God), and “drive” through it. Yes, we wish there was an exit ramp by which we could escape, but there rarely is. We just have to go through it.

I like 1 Thessalonians 5:8 (NLT) which says that we can be protected by the body armour of faith and love, and wear as a helmet the confidence of our salvation. This reminds me of professional racing car drivers who deliberately, for the sake of sport, put themselves into “tight curve” situations. They put on “body armour” of fireproof suits, they wear helmets to protect their heads and they strap themselves firmly into their vehicles.

Keeping ourselves protected by the “armour” of faith and love will stop us from “crashing and burning” in the curves that life throws at us. Wearing the helmet of salvation – which is about knowing who we are in Christ and keeping our minds filled with God’s truth and His promises - will protect our thought life from taking us off course.

If you are caught on a curve of life right now, take courage, concentrate and hold that wheel tight and steer through it. You have a faithful co-driver beside you. Stay in constant communication with Him and together you will negotiate the curve safely.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you that you do not leave me alone in the curves of life. You are right there with me and you promise that you will keep me safe. Help me to hold tight to you and trust you through this time. In Jesus’ name. Amen