When Red Lights Seems to be Following You. Awake Series, Part 30
I was driving back home, burdened and praying for a hurting colleague. Unaware
that the traffic light had turned red, I drove right through it. Unfortunately,
I was also unaware of the police car that watched me do it. In fact, I barely
noticed when he made a 180 degree turn, and only gradually became aware that he
had pulled up behind me. A worship song was in my heart, and I was thankful for
the presence of the Lord. Inner peace filled my entire being.
Naturally his red light soon came on, but panic did not invade me like it used
to do. I pulled over calmly, with just one prayer: "Give me strength to face
this with grace."
"License, insurance and vehicle registration, please," stated the polite
officer.
I have to admit that while I was patiently waiting for him, I couldn't help
wondering what would happen if I suddenly raced away, just like my
dad once did
when being chased by a police cruiser. I guess it must be in my genes! But naw,
I decided, that's him, not me! And despite these thoughts, inner peace continued
to reign in my heart and I realized the words to a worship song were continuing
to resound in my mind. "Thank you, Lord, for helping me remain calm," I prayed.
"Oh Lord, I couldn't be in better hands!"
The officer came back and looked me straight in the eyes: "I will just give you
a warning this time. Don't do it again!"
For some reason I uttered these words: "I am so sorry. I didn't even realize
that I was running a red light until I was half-way through the intersection."
Talk about saying the wrong thing to a police officer! With that "wonderful"
excuse, he would more than likely change his mind and give me a super big fine!
Instead he looked at me and smiled. "Yeah. Running a red light results in a 260
$
traffic fine. But it is clear you didn't commit this infraction purposefully,
and there was no accident. We try to look at the intentions of the driver as
well. Have a good day!"
It sure was a good day, thanks to God! I discovered that day the power of these
words "Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and
make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for
everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." (Eph 5:19-20 NIV)
Thankfulness and making music in the heart go hand in hand, and it is always
accompanied by inner peace! Even amidst adversity we can be thankful, for God
uses such opportunities to draw us closer to Him.
I also learned that day that grace is alive, and it is that grace that comes
from God that gives us that such needed inner peace, even amidst adversities.
"Thank you Lord for being so real to us. We really have nothing to fear. You are
our best friend. I love you Lord!"
What kind of song is playing in your heart right now?
Rob Chaffart