Have you ever considered how prayer is like stoplight? A stoplight has three colors, red, yellow, and green. It is placed at an intersection to provide direction for you when you approach a crossroads. If the stoplight is red, it means you must come to a complete stop and wait. If a stoplight is yellow, it means you may proceed with caution. If a stoplight is green is means move ahead, advance, go.
When we come to a crossroads in our lives, we should seek the Lord and He will provide direction with what we are facing [Matthew 6:33]. Sometimes His reply for us is come to a complete stop, be still and wait [Psalm 37:34, Psalm 46:10]. We may perceive a red light in prayer as an absolute no, and that is not always the case. It may be we are simply to wait for the Lord to get other things lined up before He releases us to move forward.
Sometimes the Lord’s reply is to advance cautiously, go slow. He may be teaching us how to remain alert to the enemy and his attempts to destroy us [1 Peter 5:8; John 10:10]. He may also be teaching us how to move slowly so we can see Him at work in our lives and in the lives of those around us. Don’t rush the Lord. He is never late, but seldom early.
The Lord’s reply may be “Go.” When we have a green light, a clear directive; we know we are to advance without looking back [Luke 9:62, Matthew 28:19], trusting in Him every step of the way [Psalm 62:8; Isaiah 26:4].
The next time you come to a crossroads, remember the Lord is always present and always listening to our prayers and directing our paths [Psalm 119:35]. He gives clear direction. What color is He showing you?