No Lock Out

“. . .I hold the keys. . .”  (Revelation 1:18)

            We were on family vacation several years ago and had traveled to a somewhat remote location on our way to an even more remote location in the Colorado mountains.  We stopped at a desolate and lonely gas station to refuel and to use the restrooms.  All seven of us had piled out of our van and had gone inside.  While the pump was filling the tank I went inside also and then stopped by the cashiers to pay.  When I stepped outside and approached the van I was greeted with six faces of desperation.  One of my children showed me that the doors were all locked and that the key was hanging from the ignition.  Apparently, someone had pushed the “all-lock” switch. 

            I pitied their poor little faces and their downcast looks.  They were looking forward to getting to the camp, seeing their friends, playing fun games and having dinner.  One of them said, “Oh great!! Now this will make us hours late and we might miss seeing everybody today!” 

            Perhaps I shouldn’t have done it, but I allowed the drama to play out for a while.  I mentioned that a locksmith might be hours away from this remote place.  I suggested that maybe we could find a way to stay safe and warm at the gas station - - - maybe even until next morning. (Oh, I shouldn’t have done it.)

            But then, when the drama had played out and the moment seemed right. I pulled out of my pocket a spare set of keys. I dangled them in front of each of their precious young eyes and proceeded to open the van and get the engine running.  In a short time we were on our way with everyone happy again.

            Does your way seem blocked?  Can you see a solution but the reality of it seems beyond your grasp?  Has your progress been replaced by a vague feeling of hopelessness regarding your circumstances? 

Move your eyes away from the locked door and the useless key dangling in the ignition.  Look straight into the face of the Master Locksmith as the key playfully dangles from His hand.  Not only does He know the way, but infinitely better, He is the Way.  Lock hands and heart with Him and walk alongside.  Your difficult circumstance may not change immediately, but the despair that would seek to overtake you and the hopelessness that would try to overwhelm you has now been brought into His loving care.  The difficulty is not yours to face alone. 

Our story could have ended differently.  There could have been a long delay in a desolate and lonely location.  There could have been a group of dejected little hearts feeling a dream fade before their eyes.  Had that been the case, I would have told you about a Master Locksmith Who still kept His promise and came to help us just in time.  During the delay, He had sent ahead of His arrival a special package which contained all we needed to endure the waiting. 

2012 Galestorm Music Inc