MORNING MANNA 5-22-24
ROUGH ROADS
Growing up in the Ozarks I know a lot about rough roads. I’ve bounced along many miles of dirt and gravel roads, and it wasn’t comfortable. However, today I want to talk to you about rough roads of a different kind.
A great many years ago Moses pronounced this blessing upon Asher–“Thy shoes shall be iron and brass; and as thy days, so shall thy strength be.”(Deut. 33:25). Asher had been allotted a portion of the land that was filled with hills and valleys—rough and rugged terrain. But, for us the application goes beyond a specific geographical location. It reminds us that there are many rough roads of various sorts in life. This is especially true if we are on the right road. Sometimes there are easier routes, but they do not lead us to our divinely ordained purpose.
Sadly most people take the “easy” route rather than the essential route. They think it is the most pleasant path, but that’s not really true.It is a road that leads to ruin and regret rather than reward.They choose a path to be trod with velvet slippers, a flower-strewn pathway, but there is no joy in their journey, nor sense of satisfaction at the end of their road. Their choice is that of a child rather than a champion.
The Christian pilgrim’s path is different. He isn’t wondering about his purpose nor wandering about aimlessly. He is a dedicated disciple and he has a goal in view. Directed by the map of God’s Word, he travels a road appointed by the Lord. Although it is a rough road it is the right road and he expects it to be difficult. Like the disciples on the storm-tossed sea, he is in the storm and will of God at the same time. He knows doing the will of God will expose him to problems rather than exempt him from them. And expecting problems is the first step in preparing for them. Wishing they didn’t exist won’t make them go away. So, the wise man readies himself for the reality of rough roads.
But how do we get ready? The answer is found in the command to live by faith. We aren’t just invited to trust God, we are commanded to do so. We either live by faith or live in sin. We triumph over our trials only by trusting in God. Just as Asher could cling to this glorious truth we can claim the precious promises of God which prepares us to prevail. They assure us that God will provide help for hard places; strength for all seasons— whether it be the day of difficulty, doubt, danger, or death. There is not a single day when we are without help from God.Armed with faith in God’s promises we are equipped to endure!
We don’t always know exactly what to prepare for. The nature of our problems vary– it’s one thing today and another thing tomorrow, but regardless of the specifics the solution is the same. We must acquaint ourselves with the Word of God and believe He will keep His promises. His precious promises are numerous and we can always find at least one for anything we will ever encounter.
For Asher the promise was, “Thy shoes shall be iron and brass; and as thy days, so shall thy strength be”. Isn’t that a marvelous thought? It is a word of assurance for a man anticipating adversity. He knows very well that the road is rough and rugged. He knows he will need divine aid and that’s exactly what he is promised. This is not only a prophecy of rough roads, it is a promise of reliable resources that bring relief! When he feels trapped in the cold shadow of some dark valley, that feels like a grave, he can cheer himself by living in the sunlight of God’s exceeding and great promise”(2 Peter 1:4).
Here’s something else we need to remember–Asher’s allotment was by divine appointment rather than accident. There are no accidents with God. Long before Asher ever received his portion of the land, God knew exactly what it would be like. The same is true of you. Everyone’s circumstances are different. In Asher’s day the land was divided up among the tribes and it was not all the same. In His great wisdom God gives to each that which they would have chosen for themselves were they as smart as God. Don’t curse your circumstances. Consider them to be what they are–divine appointments, although they are often rough roads. Get ready for them by searching out the sure promises related to your situation.
If the road is rough to the point that shoes of iron and brass are required, so shall it be! God always provides what He promises. So as we journey down the rough road of life let it be with this blessed assurance– in Christ we have everything we need for anything that might come our way. Remember–“as thy days”, regardless of how difficult,”so shall thy strength be”. Think about it! HDS
David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
5801 FM 1960 E
Humble, TX. 77346
