When There Is Not Way Out!
Pastor David D. Coleman, Clarkston FMC (MI)

When I'm driving and in a hurry (and I usually am), I love shortcuts and hitting green lights. I like finding the shortest and quickest route possible. I am known for "pushing the speed limit." I hate (OK, since I shouldn't be a hateful person, I "greatly dislike") traffic jams and orange barrels. It is just hard to even feel like a Christian when you have been brought to a dead stop and are running late, all because an endless stream of barrels has detoured three lanes of traffic into one! You know the experience.

This is exactly the situation in which I recently found myself. Everyone was on edge. Horns were honking. People were competing for that position in the one available lane that would gain them an extra 10 feet of pavement. I remember sitting there thinking, There is no way out. I'm trapped.

Life is full of circumstances where it seems there is "no way out." A doctor's diagnosis sends the message — this is the way it is; there's no way out. A friend betrays you, a relationship broken. A financial crisis hits. A job layoff notice comes in the mail. These and many other circumstances make us feel trapped and powerless. It is easy to believe that there is just no way out. Maybe you are experiencing a "no-way-out" circumstance right now.

It helps to remember that many of the people whose lives are recorded in the Bible experienced similar circumstances. Some responded by turning from God, attempting to solve the problem themselves and falling further into despair. Others turned to God and discovered that He specializes in making a way out — even when there seemingly is no way out!

God has not changed. He still hears the prayers of those who call on Him. He still answers and changes impossible situations. God still is doing miraculous things in the lives of those who trust in Him.

May I suggest a simple plan for getting through a "no-way-out" situation?

1. Talk to God about it. Psalm 62:8 says, "Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge." Right now, tell God why you feel anxious or confused. Describe your situation to Him, and your feelings. Then ask for His eternal perspective and help.

2. Focus on God's Word. Take time to read the Bible — passages such as Psalm 86, Psalm 91:14-16, Isaiah 41:9-10 and Jeremiah 32:17, 26-27.

3. Select a meaningful verse or passage and memorize it. Let your thoughts focus on the promise from God.

4. Do what God has told you to do. If you need to place your trust afresh in Him, do this. If you need to draw closer to Him, spend extra time in worship, prayer and reading the Word. Finally, turn your "no-way-out" situation over to God and expect Him to work!

Finally, don't forget to praise Him when He makes a way out!