On the Way

The official said to him, “Sir, come down before my child dies.” Jesus said to him, “Go; your son will live.” The man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him and went on his way. As he was going down, his servants met him and told him that his son was recovering. John 4:49-52

When I woke up this morning, the wind was rattling the windows and the rain was pounding on the roof. Tree branches were bent low and some were scrapping against the clapboards on the house. It was a day to stay indoors, a day to stay off the roads, a day to roll over and go back to bed. Some days, it doesn't seem worth it to venture out, only to be overcome by water and other challenges. When things happen that are hard to bear, we often retreat into ourselves and shut the weary wolrd and the woolly winds out.

Today erh ear the story of the father who heads out on the rough roads, hoping that Jesus can do something for his child. He has a plan to bring Jesus back home with him, hoping and praying that this would make his son well. The challenges in front of him were great. When he finally gets to Jesus, Jesus sends him home alone. And yet, the man believes and is comforted and relieved to find his son whole. Many of us would not have believed, nor would we have trusted since our hearts were broken our hopes let down. It wasn't at all as we had hoped. And yet Jesus is working despite the plans and rules we make. Love is active and ready to heal despite how we know things should be.

Today, I want to live with the road ahead of me. Today, I want to let go of schemes and dreams and accept the road that God has put me on, knowing that there are more wonders and miracles than I can imagine. Despite the days when I want to curl up and crawl into a safe cave, I know that God is on the road with me and love will conquer all the challenges ahead. May we all rejoice in God's love which is in the midst of our trials and storms, a love which is active and ready, in spite of our fears and hesitations this day.