Trusting Life’s Traffic Lights

Recently, I read Matthew McConaughey’s book, “Greenlights”. Yes, the American actor who made the famous line, “Alright! Alright! Alright!”. He wrote this book based on his many years of journaling. The green lights were moments when his life seem to flow effortlessly. In contrast, he also had red lights and yellow lights – when there were delay, setbacks, and slowdowns in his life.

The question today is this: What if these green, yellow and red lights are God’s ways of directing our paths?

Red Lights – God’s Protection

We tend to see red lights in our lives as failure or rejection, but often it is God protecting us. We are so sure of our own ways, or we want things in our timing, that we don’t see the red light stopping us from crashing into a busy intersection in our lives. In hindsight, we can sometimes see God’s protection revealed from what we thought was a missed opportunity.

Proverbs 16:9 In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps

Yellow Lights – God’s Preparation

Many a times, we feel frustrated when things are on hold, when we are stuck, or our plans are thwarted. We feel disappointed, even at God. In wisdom, we will later find out that it was a season of preparation, growth and testing of our patience and perseverance.

Isaiah 40:31 – But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.

Green Lights – God’s Provision

Have you ever go through a green wave – a series of green lights driving through a stretch of street? Green lights in our lives feel good – when doors are open, prayers are answered, and we are moving forward. Green lights remind us that God is faithful in blessing us and that He is a God of Abundance.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.

My Invitation

This is my invitation to you today: (1) be patient and trust God in the red lights, (2) prepare yourself and seek growth during the yellow lights, and (3) praise and thank God for the many green lights in your life. Let us always surrender to God’s timing for every red, yellow and green lights in our lives.

Humble Yourself – Before Life Does

Do you make plans then feel frustrated when life doesn’t go as planned? Who do you blame when plan goes astray?

We want to “make it” in the world, and make various plans to make it big. Yet time and again, we stumble through our plans, surprised when things fall apart. When we think we know everything, or what’s best for us, or what we believe is under our control – then we forget that there is only one who knows everything and is in control of everything – God.

Humility is the wisdom to admit: I don’t know everything. And I need God.

1️⃣ God Lifts the Humble—But Opposes the Proud

“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” — James 4:6

Pride blinds us. It makes us believe we’re self-sufficient, that our way is best. But God resists that posture—not to punish us, but to protect us. He pours out grace not on the strong, but on those willing to be humble before Him. He wants us to trust and obey Him wholeheartedly.

2️⃣ Life Will Humble What We Don’t Surrender

“Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” — Proverbs 16:18

When we insist on doing life our way—without seeking God—we often end up humbled by disappointment, failure, or confusion. But God can use these moments to lovingly correct and realign us. Better to humble ourselves first than be humbled by what we didn’t see coming. Do not let pride be our stumbling block.

3️⃣ Humility Makes Room for God to Move

“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up.” — James 4:10

True humility isn’t self-deprecating—it’s God-exalting. It says, “Lord, I need You more than I need my plans to succeed.” When we step back, surrender control, and lean in, God steps in and does what only He can. Truly, He can do more than you can ever imagine, and wants to bless you abundantly. If only you will let Him!

My Invitation

This is my invitation to you today: humble yourself before God, and surrender your life to Him. We should not let our pride, arrogance and stubbornness to teach us painful lessons of humility.