Clearing the Roadblock

Read: 1 John 1:5-9 Taya sighed loudly when Mom had to stop because of a roadblock. Workers were repairing the bridge ahead, and traffic was temporarily stopped. “How long will we have to wait?” she asked. “I’m not sure,” Mom replied. “It might be a while.” Taya looked out the window. She saw a red van, a delivery truck, some cars, and a motorcycle. Drivers craned their necks, trying to see if they’d be able to move soon. “Are we going to be late to swim class?” Taya asked. The class at the community pool on the other side of the bridge started at ten. “I don’t know,” Mom said. “But we can’t go anywhere until that roadblock is removed.” Taya sighed impatiently. “I wish they’d work faster!” “Well, it’s out of our control,” said Mom. “We’ll just have to be patient.” They waited another five minutes. Then Taya noticed cars moving ahead. “Look!” she said. “I think the roadblock’s down!” Mom slowly eased the car forward, and soon they were across the bridge. Taya let out a sigh of relief. “I’m so glad we’re going to make it to swim class!” Mom smiled. “Just this morning I was reading about a different kind of roadblock.” “Really?” said Taya. Mom nodded. “The book I was reading referred to sin as a roadblock that keeps us from fully enjoying our relationship with God. But unlike that roadblock on the bridge, we don’t need to wait and wait for Jesus to remove a roadblock of sin in our lives. He does that the moment we confess what we’ve done wrong and trust Him to forgive us.” “Right,” said Taya. “And we never have to wonder if He still loves us or if we’re still saved when we mess up.” Mom nodded. “Jesus died to take the punishment for our sin, and that means He will always forgive us. When we confess our wrongs, He removes those roadblocks so they can’t get in the way of us enjoying our relationship with Him.” Mom swung the car into the pool parking lot and Taya hopped out. “Thanks, Mom,” she said. “If I hurry, I can still make warm-ups.” –Janet Boulter How about you? Is there a roadblock of sin in your life that’s keeping you from fully enjoying your relationship with God? Jesus can remove it! He paid the price of your sin on the cross and forgives the instant you ask Him. Confess your wrong to Him and accept His forgiveness. Then get back to enjoying your relationship with Him! Today's Key Verse: In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins. Ephesians 1:7 (NKJV) Today's Key Thought: Confess sin and be forgiven