The Bumpy Roads of Nicaragua

Last night I returned from five days in Nicaragua. While there I spent time with the children and personnel of Promise International Academy, Promise Kids Foundation (PKF), and Promise Church – all in Leon and the surrounding area.  I also took a side trip to Matagalpa, a small city up in the mountains.  It was a great trip.

However, traveling through a country like Nicaragua – i.e. a “developing nation” – is nothing like traveling here in the United States.  Aside from a whole different style of driving (to put it nicely), the roads tend to be filled with all kinds of obstacles.  Even when driving on what would be considered a “highway,” one has to beware of cattle suddenly entering the roadway, chickens that have decided to literally cross the road, and speed bumps that have had the yellow paint worn away and a sign that is placed next to it rather than before it.  And, when traveling to the outlying areas as we did to visit the children we support through PKF, most of our traveling was done on dirt roads filled with potholes and gullies, narrow bridges and all kinds of hazards.  Yes, it can be quite a ride!   

I think the roads in Nicaragua tend to be very similar to what we might call “the roadway” of our lives. After all, few of our lives are like the highways here in the U.S.—four to six lanes of smooth pavement; a road that tends to be relatively smooth and comfortable.  Rather, our lives are filled with all kinds of hazards that suddenly appear; bumps in the road that can easily knock us off course.  The loss of a job, conflict in one’s home, sickness and death, and so much more all tend to make our ride through life a very bumpy one.  Each one threatens to keep us from living our lives the way God has intended for us to live them.

But, the Bible declares, “The crooked roads shall become straight, the rough ways smooth. And all mankind will see God's salvation.” (Luke 3:5-6 – NIV)  That is, there are no obstacles to the work of God within our lives. He is more than able to overcome each one.  Moreover, through Jesus Christ, he works within our lives so that no bump in the road is able to hinder his work within us nor his purposes for us. 

No matter how rough the road you are on might be, know that God is the one who is able to take the bumpy road and make it smooth. 

Have a great day  and enjoy the ride! 

-Pastor Tim Harris