“On the Road Again”

Series: What Song Shaped Your Soul?

by Roy “Will” Pearson, the Curious Pilgrim

Have you ever become sleepy while listening to a pastor preach or a teacher lecture?

As a pastor and teacher, I always searched for ways to capture people’s attention and keep them involved. In the first church I served, there was an elderly man who seemed to fall asleep the moment I stepped behind the pulpit.

That early challenge inspired me to find creative ways to awaken people’s interest in the message.

One week, I was preparing a sermon about the changing seasons of zeal in our lives. Sometimes we are enthusiastic, fully committed, and—as we often say—“on fire for God.” At other times, we become tired, pull back, or need to reconsider our direction.

I have never been devoted to one particular style of music. In fact, I am not musically gifted at all. But people respond to music because music is the language of the soul.

While preparing that sermon, I heard Willie Nelson singing “On the Road Again.”

The song was perfect.

Willie Nelson was singing about returning to touring, traveling on the bus, making music, and performing with his friends. But as soon as I heard it, I knew I had found the introduction to my sermon.

The following Sunday, I walked to the pulpit and signaled to the person operating the sound system.

Suddenly, Willie Nelson’s voice came through the speakers loud and clear.

Before long, the entire church was singing along. People were smiling, clapping, and fully awake. What a way to get everyone involved!

Some people might criticize that method, but the point came through loud and clear.

Life has seasons. Sometimes we move forward with excitement. Other times we pause, rest, or change direction. I have experienced every one of those seasons.

Psalm 23 describes them beautifully. Sometimes we walk through green pastures and beside still waters. At other times, we travel through the darkest valleys. Yet through every season, God remains with us.

Jesus also promises, “I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

The journey of faith is not always a straight road. Sometimes we move forward. Sometimes we pause. Sometimes we lose our way. And sometimes grace places us back on the road again.

So, if you have been sitting at home, wondering whether it is too late to begin again, come join me on the porch.

Let us listen for the music, trust that God is still with us, and get on the road again.