God Doesn’t Do Orange Cones

Growing Daily

God Doesn’t Do Orange Cones

I drove down my road after a recent storm to survey the damage. In three separate spots, huge trees had partially toppled and leaned precariously over the road, held up only by sagging power lines. Branches swept downwards, blocking traffic.

Crews came out the next day, but instead of cutting the trees at the root and removing them, they trimmed a few of the worst branches and set up little orange cones in the road. Smaller branches still jutted into the street, forcing drivers to creep into oncoming traffic to get by.  And worse, it was obvious that one strong gust could bring the trees down and knock the power out completely.

I couldn’t help but be reminded that I sometimes take the same half-hearted, inadequate approach to the “sin that so easily trips” me up (Hebrews 12:1). I trim a few issues enough to get by, but I resist taking an ax to the roots.

Thank goodness we’re not left to clear our way alone. God loves us too much to settle for cones and compromise solutions. Complete restoration is possible. If we give Him access, He will remove the hazard, clear the path, and keep His power flowing (1 John 1:9).

“And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart. And I will put my Spirit in you…” (Ezekiel 36:26-27).


- Catherine Reid