First Baptist Church of Herndon

Rough Roads Ahead

Linda Soller | Sep 15, 2014

Driving to work the other day I came across a sign stating “Rough Road Ahead”, followed by an “Uneven Pavement” sign. Not wanting to beat up my car or tires I slowed and anticipated what I was about to face. This allowed me to avoid some deep potholes, a couple of sharp surface level changes, and generally cruise through the section of road none the worse for wear. The warning signs had played a significant role in getting me through the road work safely with minimum inconvenience or delay. Wouldn’t it be nice if there were warning signs for us when we were about to face a rough time on our road of life?

For the most part we approach life with the idea that it will generally go well. We understand that now and then we will be given a challenge. On some level we understand that our time on earth is limited, even though that understanding seems to get stronger as we grow older. What we don’t plan for are the times when everything seems to go wrong or when difficulties pile up. Have you heard of Austin Hatch? When Austin was eight years old he was in a plane crash with his father (the pilot), his mom, and two siblings. Tragically his mother and two siblings died in the crash. Austin and his dad became very close. His dad remarried and Austin worked hard toward his dream of playing basketball at University of Michigan, his mother’s alma mater. A high school junior, Austin verbally agreed to play basketball for the University of Michigan. Nine days later, Austin, his father (the pilot), and his stepmother were in a plane crash. Austin was the only survivor, but he was left in a medically-induced coma. Doctors did not think he would ever play basketball. Three years later, after having moved in with relatives and working tirelessly to be able to resume a normal active life, Austin Hatch walked on to the court for a preseason basketball game at the University of Michigan.  I know what you are thinking, how did he get through it all. Austin said if he had considered this situation prior to it being his reality, he wouldn’t have thought he could get through it either. His father’s Bible stays by his bed and he never allows himself to ask, “Why me?”

If you hadn’t heard of Austin maybe you have heard of Louis Zamperini (1/26/17 to 7/2/14) the subject of the book “Unbroken” by Laura Hillenbrand. Louis got off to a rough start in life, found success in track, found more rough times in WWII when he was a prisoner of war in Japan, struggled when he returned to the U.S., and now there will be a movie about him in addition to the book. What Louis experienced time and again in his life was difficult enough, but what he lived through at the hands of Mutsuhiro Wantanbe (known as The Bird to prisoners of war) was hard to even believe. The fact that he came out on the other side of his rough road is nothing short of miraculous.

Austin and Louis came to the same realization. God had a plan that was bigger than their hardships. They both felt there was a reason why they were able to survive situations which would have overwhelmed most of us. They didn’t get a warning sign, they simply faced the rough roads as they came upon them, with God at their side. They weren’t able to avoid every obstacle, but instead had to face each day as it came, each hardship as it was thrust upon them. This brings to mind one of my very favorite Bible verses which I offer to you as you head down your road: Philippians 4:13 (NIV) “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Let the journey begin, rough roads and all.

Have a great week!  :o)    Linda