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    I did a double take! I couldn’t believe what I saw. Thirty miles outside of town, in the middle of nowhere, right next to the Interstate overpass, was a perfectly paved street with a cul-de-sac ending very close to the freeway.

    There were no houses or housing developments for miles and miles. To my absolute amazement, this was a cul-de-sac to nowhere!

    I don’t know about you, but I’ve spent some time there! Life feels like it’s going nowhere. Our efforts are ineffective. Our words don’t connect. We’ve taken a long trip down the wrong road that leaves us on the cul-de-sac to nowhere.

    What do we do when we find ourselves in such a place? It is so easy to just give up and live in this nowhere land. Is there any word of comfort or encouragement for us in this quandary?

    First, let’s remember that many of God’s servants found themselves in a cul-de-sac to nowhere. Remember Elijah’s pity party, when he thought no one else was faithful to God and that all his efforts were futile? (1 Kings 19) Do you recall John the Baptist, in prison and about to be beheaded, sending his servants to inquire if Jesus truly was the Messiah? (Matthew 11:1-6) We are not alone when feel these things. But we also need to realize that they may not be an accurate assessment of reality!

We are not alone when feel these things.

    Second, let’s make sure we’re spending time in the presence of God and his Word asking him to reveal his will to us. This may be an opportunity for God to reveal his mission for us in a clearer way so that we can serve him more effectively. (Mark 1:35-39)

    Third, is there sin in our lives that is blocking the work of God? Sin entangles and traps us, allowing Satan to sidetrack or derail God’s work in our lives. Let’s get rid of it so we can serve God with an undivided heart. (Hebrews 12:1)

    Fourth, let’s partner with a believer of the same gender who can encourage us and hold us accountable. A fellow believer can help us keep on track, sharpen our focus, and pick us up when we fall. (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12)

    Fifth, let’s remember to always praise God. In the worst of our nightmares, we still have a God who is glorious and who will bring ultimate deliverance that will far outweigh any hardship, frustration, or cul-de-sac we temporarily find ourselves in. (Philippians 4:6; Romans 8:18)

    Being on a cul-de-sac to nowhere leaves us feeling desperate and helpless. It is not to be trivialized. If this is your current address, please don’t give up and live there. It’s not a dead end, it’s a cul-de-sac! It’s a place to turn around and get back on track doing and being what God wants you to be.