Sometimes Life’s Red Lights are for Your Protection

By: Kourtney Smith

Sometimes, everything goes smoothly in life. But can there be beauty in the waiting, when God asks us to stop, wait and pause?

The Green Light Experience

Green light experiences are those moments when things are moving ahead, doors are opening, plans are coming together, the kids are happy and healthy.

“But what do you do when life hits a red light?” asked Pastor Brad, also known as The Shearing Pastor.

“Those times in life when a job opportunity stalls. If something goes wrong, a relationship you thought was going to work out just stops. Something you’d hoped for. And it feels like you’re sitting at a red light. I’ve noticed that we rarely ever question green lights, but we always sit at the red light, asking, ‘Why?’

Why We Wait

As a shearer and a pastor, Brad considered to his sheep.

“There’s a thing in the shearing and sheep industry called low stress stock handling. It is about getting sheep from one destination to another.”

In the old days, shepherds would scream at the sheep and use scare tactics, chasing them to the point where the sheep were terrified.

“With low stress stock handling, the farmer simply positions himself and moves the sheep from one destination to another by his presence, rather than fear.”

Low Stress Stock Handling

According to Brad, this process takes longer because the sheep have to stop and wait- just like people at a red light- but the results are better.

“When the sheep get to their destination they are calmer, more relaxed, and it’s easier for both them and the shearers.”

They Who Wait

Overall, Brad’s encouragement is to stop asking, “Why?” the next time you find yourself at the red light. Consider the fact that perhaps it isn’t rejection. It could be protection.

“Who knows what is around the corner?” asked Pastor Brad. He referred to the scripture in Isaiah 40:31: “But they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”

“Maybe the red light isn’t for just stopping, maybe it is for strengthening you as you wait. Over the years, I’ve learned that the waiting times are never wasted when we trust in God.”

“Always resist thinking that it’s rejection. It may just be protection.”