Monday Morning Manna: God’s Exit Ramps

A new term has been added to modern discussions. I’m hearing the term “exit ramp” used to describe everything from how to end a negotiation, to how to end an assignment. Recently a political candidate spoke of running full speed for office, and not planning an “exit ramp” if it didn’t work out. Best-selling author, Karen Salmansohn wrote, “The best things in life are often waiting for you at the exit ramp of your comfort zone.” Have you ever begun a project, believing it was of God, then struggled along the way? Ever wondered if there really was an end to a godly beginning? It’s like finding the correct entrance ramp but failing to find the right exit ramp. In the Old Testament, Solomon was building the Temple, and apparently struggling with the plans he had been given to finish it. That’s when his father, David, said to him, “Be strong and of good courage . . . do not fear nor be dismayed, for the Lord God—my God—will be with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you, until you have finished all the work for the service of the house of the LORD” (1 Chronicles 28:20). Stop looking for an exit ramp. Stay faithful to the task, and in His time, God will provide the exit ramp.

Dr. Dan Crawford, Senior Professor at Southwestern Baptist Seminary, is the WestCoast Baptist Association’s Spiritual Life & Leadership Mentor. Follow Dan on Twitter @DrDanRC and Facebook www.facebook.com/dan.crawford.