Bumps Ahead!

On my way to work one morning last week, I noticed a new sign: BUMP. Sure enough, in the next few seconds I drove over a small bump where road crews had been working.


“How wonderful to live in a state that cares enough about its citizens to put a sign on the highway, warning them of a bump,” I thought. “Now, Lord, why can’t You do the same for me? I’d like to know when a bump is coming up in my life, so I can be prepared ahead of time.”

His kind but firm voice resonated in my heart: “Because if I told you before every bump occurred, you’d be worrying, then planning how you were going to drive over it, or take a detour around it. You wouldn’t trust Me to take care of you and keep you safe.”

Gulp. Nod. He was right.

Planner that I am, I’d be mapping out fifteen steps to overcome each bump. It wouldn’t matter to me whether it was the minor irritation of a head cold or the major distress of a loved one’s death. Before each bump ever hit, I’d know exactly how I wanted to navigate or circumvent it.

Notice the emphasis on the word “I” in that last sentence. I would plan how to face each bump so I could overcome it by whatever method I thought best. Which requires no faith in my Heavenly Father to strengthen me, give me wisdom, and help me through my trials. Since it is impossible to please Him without faith (Hebrews 1:6), I’d be careening all over the road and sliding into ditches as I tried to carry out my plans. Finally, battered and covered in muck, I’d holler, “Help me, Lord!”

He would rescue me, of course. He’s faithful like that. But I could’ve saved myself a truckload of bruises and a bale of grief if I’d simply trusted Him in the first place. And He understands that if I don’t know the future, it’s easier for me to trust Him.

So, never mind, Lord. I really don’t want to know what bumps are up ahead after all. You know when they’re coming, You will get me through them like you always have before. And that’s good enough for me.


Would you like to know what bumps are up ahead?