What's that in the distance?
On our way south from Dawson Creek, British Columbia, I noticed a one-way
road leading off of the main highway. It was a tiny road, barely the width of
one car, but despite this, the majority of the cars on the main road turned off
to follow it.
Curious by nature, I couldn't stop myself from following the multitude, and off
I went towards an unknown destiny.
Welcome to the Twilight Zone!
I couldn't believe how fast everybody was driving on such a narrow road. Road
conditions dictated that the speed limit should be 80 kph, but everyone was
driving at least 200 kph! That's way beyond my comfort zone! Where are the
police when you need them! But not wanting to be rear-ended, I had no choice but
to follow the traffic.
My heart was beating frantically and my stomach had transformed itself into an
enormous knot. What must my family be going through? As I gripped the steering
wheel for dear life, I didn't have the time or courage to ask them. Maintaining
a speed of 200 kilometres an hour on such a small road is not a small feat!
Oh, why did I ever take this road???
I had no choice but to go on. Braking now would certainly cause an
insurmountable amount of casualties, with my family and I being the worst! I was
caught up in the vice grip of that road, with no way out.
Where was this road leading us, anyway?
Then I noticed the heat. The temperatures had definitely risen since I left the
main road. I knew that panic had overtaken me, but that shouldn't have been
enough to cause my profuse sweating! And the longer I drove, the hotter it got.
Somehow I managed to take off my shirt; but body odor soon contaminated the
semi-pure oxygen.
Where was that heat coming from?
I quickly peered at the sky. There was no sun to be seen! Instead a heavy
blanket of cloud began darkening our surroundings until it was pitch dark. I
switched my headlights on, but it didn't help much. Then there was a tiny speck
of light in the distance-a steady flash of red, much like-a forest fire! What
was the meaning of this?
The vehicles were finally starting to slow down when a sinister road sign
welcomed us: "Hell, where all roads lead in, but no road leads out!"
"The ways of right-living people glow with light; the longer they live, the
brighter they shine. But the road of wrongdoing gets darker and darker -
travelers can't see a thing; they fall flat on their faces." (Prov 4:18-19 The
Message)
"The perverse travel a dangerous road, potholed and mud-slick; if you know
what's good for you, stay clear of it." (Prov 22:5 The Message)
"They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God
because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts.
Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as
to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more." (Eph
4:18-19 NIV)
Which road are you on?
P. S. There is one way off this road! "Salvation is found in no one else, for
there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved ."
(Acts 4:12 NIV) Claim Him and experience freedom!
Rob Chaffart
The Illustrator: This daily newsletter is dedicated to encouraging
everyone to look towards Jesus as the source of all the solutions to our
problems. It contains a daily inspirational story, a Bible verse and encouraging
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The Nugget: Published three times a week, this newsletter features inspirational devotionals and mini-sermons dedicated to drawing mankind closer to each other and to Christ.