We’ve all heard the parable of the man by the side of the road signaling to oncoming traffic that the bridge ahead is out.

His message is unwelcome. Time is lost. Nerves are frayed. Everyone has to find another way to get to their destination. Those who ignore him wind up in the river.

Some people might become angry with the man who saved them from the fatal plunge. After all, nobody likes to be corrected and shown that they aren’t on track!

Life is like that. We can’t see ahead. In our ignorance or rebellion we move forward, thinking all is well. But it may not be. We may have chosen a wrong way, and if we are to survive, we need someone to point that out.

That’s where a loving God steps in to guide us in another direction. He doesn’t want to lose us! He doesn’t want to see us hurt more than His correction may cause. He is there to save! That’s what love does.

In the process of being corrected, we may not feel good about His method. But when we remember that He has a complete view of life — the past, the present, and the future — then we can actually be happy that Someone is there to direct our way.