Driving to work this morning, I was sat in traffic for a little bit. From where I was I could see cars coming and I could see the road work traffic lights but the further back you were in the queue the less you could see.
After a few minutes, one person started honking their horn and I thought “what’s wrong with you? Wanna fly?” 
Then another minute went by and another person began beeping and another and another. Bearing in mind the noise makers were the furthest back, the car at the very front started becoming nervous and was edging forward even though the light was still red. Again my thoughts were “if you like, go, I’m not getting a ticket for anybody!” As the car was edging forward the light turned green and I said “you just had to be patient, the light is green now.” These words cut my heart so deeply….
You’re probably thinking, “I did not click your link to read about a revelation on traffic lights,” but bare with me.
You see, sometimes in life there’s a hold up, whether it be a promotion, a job, marriage, children, you name it. Something you think should be happening, just…isn’t. This time of your life can be the best or the worst depending on your perspective. From where I was, I could see every reason why it made sense that the light hadn’t changed and therefore I had more peace (halleluyerr?). Those closest to the back had the least perspective and therefore became agitated and uneasy that a journey which was smooth for others or usually smooth was not going that way for them.
When we have perspective, we have peace and we can allow ourselves to be patient. When we see the bigger picture our problems and issues are not the same as someone who is short sighted. My issue was “why are they making noise?” Their issue was “I’m gonna be late mate! Why aren’t we moving? Why can’t that car in front move?”
When there’s a hold up in our lives, the voices can be so damaging and make us do things that only we will suffer for. The car at the front was feeling the pressure and was tempted to go even though there was a red light and therefore unknown dangers ahead. Does it feel like that for you sometimes? In order to get rid of the pressure you do things without really thinking about the consequences? You move when God hasn’t said? You take unnecessary risks? I know I’ve been there. Imagine Mr or Miss Peugeot had gone and gotten a ticket, I’m sorry, who would have helped them pay it? Not Mr or Miss noisemaker in the back! They would have been none the wiser. Such is life sometimes, we succumb to pressure (whether internal or external) and we’re left to deal with the consequences on our own. You may feel like a fool for not moving when others are or how others are but as long as you are on the timeline of the author and finisher, you’ll be just fine.
The issue now is how do we get on that timeline. It would have been unfair of me to speak Christianese “get on God’s timeline,” yet not provide any practical tips. So get your screenshot ready! I’m going to share three ways that I know which can help you get a better perspective of your red light moment.
1. Pray
Not just out of frustration but for direction and with intention. Ask God to show you what’s going on, and/or to show you the bigger picture. As you pray and develop your relationship, even if you still don’t understand why there’s a hold up, you’ll be able to stand firm, anchored by peace and continue to wait on Him but this time there’s an unshakeable joy and peace that’s attached. I’m pretty sure that’s why the bible tells us to “be anxious for nothing but in everything, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made know to God and the PEACE OF GOD which surpasses ALL understanding WILL guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
2. Read the bible
Self explanatory really. There is so much richness in His word that even if the words don’t speak to your issue specifically, you’ll find something you can hold on to for comfort/peace and patience.
3. Move in faith and not fear
As a product of your prayer and development of a closer relationship with God, you’ll hear His voice clearer and you’ll begin to make moves in faith. These moves may be in preparation for what’s to come or for an even bigger purpose but your time will be put to good use. Sometimes the temptation when stuck in a hold up is to idly wile away time and waste energy where there will be no reward or clarity. Trusting God cuts that out. There is a time to be still and a time to move, don’t do one when you should be doing the other.
Sometimes, our breakthrough is just in reaching distance but our impatience and lack of perspective causes us to try to move ahead of God or not move at all. If only we could see how soon our red light would turn green, maybe we’d persevere and wait in hopeful expectation. Hope, the right perspective and patience may not shorten the wait but they’d certainly make it more bearable, maybe even…enjoyable!!
What’s your red light at this moment? Hold it in your mind and then ask God to give you the bigger picture so you can have the peace He promised. Just hold on, your red light will be green soon.