Has God ever given you a startling reminder of His divine protection? One that leaves you with unspeakable awe?
Beyond a shadow of a doubt, that’s what He did for my hubby Bert and me.
Two weeks ago we were driving home from our annual family retreat in Sunriver, OR, when our first near collision occurred. We’d spent five wonderful days with our four g’kids and their parents. We played games, sat in a hot tub, took long walks, and caught up while stuffing our faces. Our idea of a relaxing family time.
On the two-lane road that takes us home to Idaho, we listened to a favorite pastor’s sermon. The beautiful autumn leaves, the crisp air, and two hot coffees to-go make the six-hour drive enjoyable.

About four hours into of our drive, we began the descent from the mountainous pass. Without a guard rail, the narrow shoulder plummets into a valley.
From the opposite direction, a sedan decided to pass a semi-truck in front of it. Seeing the driver’s brown eyes and chin-length brown hair up close, we breathed, “Oh, Lord.” God performed a miracle in that moment. As if a median appeared, her car passed between the truck and ours. Our faithful God proved His hand is never short, and always outstretched toward His children!
The following week we were on our way to a prayer meeting that began at 8:45 a.m. at our church. In typical fashion, I was running two minutes late. I announced, “We should’ve left the house at 8:30. It’s 8:32.” My long-suffering husband said nothing, dutifully started the car, and we were on our way.
I looked at the dashboard clock and cringed. 8:45. We had two more 4-way stops before we’d arrive at church. “Lord, I promise to get up five minutes earlier next Sunday.” That was my prayer when I heard Bert say, “Oh, God.” Mind you, he never says, “Oh, God.” Gosh or goodness, yes. But he sincerely meant, Oh, God!
An SUV in front us had turned left at the intersection. A car from the opposite direction broadsided the SUV at full speed. He hadn’t seen his stop sign. The SUV hit one of the stop signs, preventing it from going into a ditch, and rolled over onto the other driver’s car.
By God’s grace, both drivers walked away from the accident! Bert helped the woman in the SUV, who had minor cuts and scrapes. The other driver’s airbag had deployed, but beyond shock and sincere sorrow, he was fine. I called 9-1-1, and then directed traffic through the 4-way stop.
Yes, that SUV could’ve been us. But the moral of the story isn’t – be late for prayer meeting/church! It is, however, to pray and praise the Lord. Whether we feel or see it, He is always working for our good and for His glory.
Now, no matter the distance, neither Bert nor I will start the car without asking for the Lord’s protection.
If you’ve been driving for any length of time, you’ve probably had similar situations. We take for granted that we’ll get here or there safely. But what if we do what Paul says:
Pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1Thess. 5:17-18, NKJV)
By author eMarie

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