THANKFUL FOR: TRAVELING MERCIES

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

To leave a comment, please click on the title above, THANKFUL FOR:  TRAVELING MERCIES, and scroll down. Please subscribe, share this post with family and friends, and return next week for another encouraging blog. Thank you and God bless you!  🙂

 

0 0 votes
Article Rating
Subscribe
Notify of
guest

16 Comments
Newest
Oldest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Sherry+Shindelar
1 year ago

Thank you for sharing how God has protected you and Bert. It’s a wonderful reminder to all of us that God is watching over us, and though everything might fall apart around us, He is with us and has us in the palm of His hand.

Valerie Cullers
1 year ago

So, so grateful for God’s grace and mercy towards you.
Mike and I have had a few of those for sure. When we drive on
a holiday weekend, we have had the most. People are in such a rush to get wherever they are going that they put other people in mortal danger! God is so good!

Kathy+McKinsey
1 year ago

Thank you. During this holiday season, let’s all pray for travel mercies.

Jean
Jean
1 year ago

Blessed be the name of our Heavenly Father for you and your husband’s safety. “He will take care of us.”

Roberta+Kautz
1 year ago

I love this story! Such a beautiful reminder of God’s faithful care and protection! Thanks for this good and timely reminder to pray, pray, pray!

Judy Chatfield
Judy Chatfield
1 year ago

I am ever grateful for God‘s mercy and protection in our lives. I am extremely grateful for the protection that He gave you. Sometimes when things seem so wrong they turn out to be so right.

Dave Parks
Dave Parks
1 year ago

Thankful for traveling mercies!

Melissa+Henderson
1 year ago

God is truly wonderful in the ways He protects us. There are times when we don’t even know His protection has surrounded us. I’m thankful you all are safe.

16
0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x