Life has a way of teaching us lessons in the most unexpected places—like at a four-way stop.

Last Wednesday, I approached a stop sign, clearly arriving first. But the driver on my left decided the rules didn’t apply to him—he darted forward, then had the audacity to honk at me! Well, I wasn’t about to let that slide, so I hit my horn too. That’s when he took it a step further—stopping right in front of me to block my path.

Frustrated but determined, I started to reverse, planning to go around him. And guess what? The moment I chose a different route, he moved.

That’s when it hit me—how often in life does this same pattern play out? Just when we’re advancing toward a goal, someone appears to block us—whether out of spite, envy, or simply because they can. Their actions aren’t about progress; they’re about provoking a reaction.

But here’s the key: Don’t waste your energy engaging in petty roadblocks. Instead, pivot. Shift your approach, but not your ambition. Sometimes, the quickest way forward is a slight detour. And often, the obstacle moves the moment you stop pushing against it.

So, the next time life—or someone—tries to deflate your zeal, remember: You control your route. Reverse if you must, reroute, when necessary, but never retreat from your purpose.

As Proverbs 4:25-26 (CSB) reminds us:

“Let your eyes look forward; fix your gaze straight ahead. Carefully consider the path for your feet, and all your ways will be established.”

Keep your eyes on the destination. The path may change, but your purpose remains.