Thank God for Life’s STOP Signs: When Jesus Says “Pause”
Thank God for Life’s STOP Signs Along the Way
Thank God for the STOP signs along life’s journey. We may not always appreciate them, but there are moments when Jesus Christ, in His loving kindness, stops us in our tracks. Sometimes, He does so without our realizing that He is the Master Planner, working behind the scenes—redirecting us because He knows we’re heading down the wrong path.
Sensing the Holy Spirit's Urging to Stop
Then, there are times when we are fully in tune with Him. In those moments, we sense a clear and unmistakable urging of the Holy Spirit to stop. These divine pauses are often subtle, but deeply powerful in their effect.
A Personal Example: Learning to Pause
One simple example of the Holy Spirit’s prompting happened one morning. I picked up my phone and began to text someone. Suddenly, with complete clarity of mind and heart, I stopped. It became crystal clear that there was no need to send that message.
All day long, I felt a deep sense of peace and gratitude that I had not reached out unnecessarily. That moment reminded me how important it is to be sensitive to spiritual discernment.
When We Know We’re on the Wrong Path
There have also been times when I was knowingly walking the wrong path. I was enjoying myself and wasn’t concerned with how my actions affected others—including my Lord. But because He is my Savior, and I am His child, He intervened. He shifted circumstances in my life to lovingly guide me back to the path of righteousness, humbling me and making me realize my need for His help.
Why We Need Spiritual STOP Signs
Without these divine STOP signs, we would often find ourselves in far worse situations than we can imagine. These holy interruptions are not punishments—they are acts of divine love and protection.
Even Paul Was Stopped by the Holy Spirit
Even the Apostle Paul experienced a spiritual stop. As he traveled and preached about Jesus, he was prevented from entering a new region.
"Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia." — Acts 16:6
Instead of pressing forward, Paul submitted to the Spirit’s redirection and continued his ministry—just in a different location. It’s a powerful example of trusting God’s plan, even when it changes our own.
Be Ready to Stop and Listen to God
As you walk with Jesus each day, don’t be surprised if you feel the Holy Spirit urging you to stop. He may be protecting you, redirecting you, or preparing you for something greater. Trust that He cares deeply for you.
Let’s strive to stay in tune with Him—ready to move forward when He says “Go,” and willing to pause when He says “Stop.”