I am sitting in the same spot that fostered last fall’s blog “Peace in the Valley at Granddad’s Apples.” The view of the orchard to my left, the corn maze to my right, and the North Carolina Mountains in the distance are just as beautiful as they were last year.

Despite the tranquil setting, I began to think that none of us want rough roads. We prefer newly paved, smooth roads with wonderful scenery along the way. We want beautiful rest stops, clean restrooms, inexpensive gasoline, and nice restaurants with delicious food at bargain prices without waiting in long lines.

Most of us think life would be wonderful if God supplied our every need and a lengthy list of our wants. We want him to remove all of the weeds from our lawns and the weeds in our lives, painlessly, of course. We want our children to be shining successes and go through life without any booboos, disappointments, or setbacks. We want our retirement years to be filled with fun, travel, and exceptionally good health.

However, life doesn’t unfold according to our plans! Maybe we’re looking at the wrong set of plans, for God never promised us smooth roads!

Many years ago I came across a quote by A. W. Tozer, which I am paraphrasing: I doubt that God can greatly use a man (or woman) until He has greatly hurt him (or her).

God, thank you for the rough roads. I don’t think I would have found true peace without them.

Stan Means
Elder Source Senior Ministries
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