Daily devotional – Speed bumps!
When You Hit a Speed Bump
“Yet man is born unto trouble, as the sparks fly upward.” — Job 5:7
In everyday life, there are moments when we hit a speed bump — something that jolts us so completely it feels like everything goes flying, just as it does in a car when we hit one unexpectedly.
But it’s what comes next — our response after the jolt — that matters most. In my walk with God, I’ve often encountered these speed bumps. And more often than not, they were placed there by God Himself. My initial reaction? Usually, it’s my old nature, my flesh (as the Bible calls it), rising up to take control — frustrated, emotional, rattling off reasons and complaints. No warning signs, I tell myself… yet so often, it was my own doing.
Over the years, the Lord has been patient to teach me. He’s helped me move away from that foolish first reaction. Now, when I hit those bumps, I’m learning to pause, step back, and invite the Lord to guide me — to help me tidy up the mess that’s come from the jolt.
By the grace of the Holy Spirit, I’ve found that when these speed bumps appear, they become invitations:
To dive deeper into God’s Word.
To listen more carefully for His voice and direction.
To drive my roots down deeper into my relationship with Him.
And every time I do, I see God beautifully intervene — opening my eyes, steadying my heart, and helping me navigate through what once would have thrown me off course.
So this week, if you find yourself suddenly jolted by a speed bump you didn’t see coming, consider this: it may be an opportunity given by God. A moment to reestablish areas that were slipping, to stop coasting, and to return to labouring and agonizing in prayer — just as we studied about Paul last Sunday in Colossians 2:1-3.
Someone once told me, “It’s wise to learn from others’ mistakes.” Well, I’ve made plenty. And I pray you’ll learn from mine. That when your next bump comes, you’ll be prepared — ready to dig deeper into God’s Word, ready to move even closer to the Cross of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
And in doing so, may every bump in the road draw you closer still to Him.
Let’s pray – Heavenly Father,
I confess that when life’s bumps and jolts come, my first reaction is often fear, frustration, or pride. Forgive me, Lord, for the times I’ve let my flesh take control instead of turning to You.
Teach me, by Your Holy Spirit, to pause and look to You in those moments. Help me to see each challenge as an opportunity to dig deeper into Your Word, to listen for Your voice, and to strengthen my trust in You.
Lord, when the road is rough and I am shaken, steady my heart and draw me closer to the Cross where my hope is anchored. Let every trial shape me, not break me — and make me more like Jesus.
Thank You for Your patience, for Your guidance, and for Your unfailing love that carries me through every bump in the road.
In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.