What a morning! After spending an hour stuck in an angry stranger's driveway, I
finally found myself on my way to school. (See "Adventures in Winter Driving,
Part 1: Did you hit my Tree?" For THAT story!) It sure felt good to no longer be
in that ditch!
In reality, the snow of the previous night had transformed the world into a
winter wonderland. I didn't stop to admire it, though. How could I? I was
already over an hour late! The only responsible thing to do would be to hurry! I
pressed down on the accelerator, and soon all the winter beauty was nothing more
than a white blur out my window.
At this speed, it didn't take long for me to arrive at the main crossroad, where
a red, octagonal sign warning me that I'd better stop. "No problem," I thought.
But when I put my right foot on the brake, nothing happened! Now what???
Fortunately, the van is equipped with antilock brakes. Otherwise I would have
fishtailed myself back into the ditch! Equally as fortunately, there didn't
appear to be any traffic on the main road. Maybe I could just slide to the other
side where I would eventually slow to a halt and be able to turn around . . .
As my mind played through this possible scenario, a car appeared on the main
road - just at the exact distance to be right in front of my van when I entered
the intersection! I instinctively tried to brake harder, but the only response
was that I slid faster! "Lord, I am at your mercy," I cried out desperately.
"Help me to NOT hit that car! Help me to NOT hurt anyone!"
Instantly, my van skidded to a halt, right at the stop sign! It was as if an
invisible force had simply kept it from entering the intersection. As the driver
of the oncoming car passed, I couldn't help but notice the look of relief on her
pale face. "Thank you, Lord, for having come to my rescue," I breathed. "Thank
you for saving both of us from that accident. You are so awesome Lord!"
I learned an important lesson that day. Instead of relying on my own efforts, as
usual, I had called upon the Lord and He had answered. He always responds when
we put our complete trust in Him instead of in ourselves! This helped me to
realize that I should not worry about my circumstances, no matter how bleak and
depressing they may seem. I have a Father in Heaven who will take care of me,
but only when I LET Him! I resolved that from that day forward, I would try to
wait upon the Lord. My prayer is the same as David's: "When I am afraid, I will
trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid.
What can mortal man do to me?" (Psalms 56: 3-4 NIV)
Watch out! You're sliding through an icy intersection! Who will YOU trust?
Rob Chaffart
The Illustrator: This daily newsletter is dedicated to encouraging
everyone to look towards Jesus as the source of all the solutions to our
problems. It contains a daily inspirational story, a Bible verse and encouraging
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The Nugget: Published three times a week, this newsletter features inspirational devotionals and mini-sermons dedicated to drawing mankind closer to each other and to Christ.