A man’s mind plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps and makes them sure.
-Amplified Bible
Another Day – Another Deadline
Early one Thursday morning I was listening to one of my Bible CDs while heading into the office to meet another big deadline. I was driving my convertible in the fast lane at 65 mph when suddenly in my peripheral vision I saw a red car coming right at me about to broadside me! I swerved to avoid collision but there was nowhere to go with only a small berm near the concrete center divider. This evasive action sent my car out of control hitting the concrete wall. The impact spun me around, so that my car hit the wall twice more on each quarter panel and landed in the middle of the fast lane facing three lanes of oncoming traffic during Los Angeles rush hour!
When I realized that my car was headed into that concrete wall all I could do was cry out, “Lord Jesus!” and watch helplessly as my car collided into the concrete divider. It was surreal as I watched the scene in a slow motion. I thought I was on my way to heaven. I was surprised because I expected to finish my course on earth before leaving, but even so, I was completely at peace. Jesus’ peace really does pass all understanding! There was absolutely NO fear! God was with me and protected me. I turned down a trip to the hospital offered by the paramedics and walked away from my totaled convertible completely unharmed!
Safety of Abiding in the Presence of God
Immediately following these events a Scripture came to my mind from a plaque hanging on my office wall that says:
Ps 121:5-8
The LORD watches over you– the LORD is your shade at your right hand;
The LORD will keep you from all harm– he will watch over your life;
the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. (NIV)
I knew that the Lord watched over me – each and every day. I also knew the security of living by the words of Psalm 91, which promises us safety. There is safety in abiding in the presence of God. As for my part, for many years I had lived a lifestyle of daily spending time with the Lord early in the morning. That is not without exception, but for the most part, Jesus and I met over morning coffee. And I did my part saying of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.” (Psa.91:2)
Psalm 91:1-16 (NKJV excerpt)
It is a wonderful passage of Scripture, which should be committed to memory. So, if I knew that the Lord watched over my life, He is my refuge and promises me protection, even appoints angels to watch over me – then what’s up?
Was God Punishing me?
No! God does not put bad things on us. He is not sitting on His heavenly throne deciding who will get sick with the flu or arthritis or cancer, which person will get injured or maimed in an accident, who will die in a hurricane or any myriad of natural calamities. God is not a schizophrenic – loving and helping us one minute, deciding who will live or die the next. Jesus told us that the devil came to kill, steal and destroy but Jesus came that we might have life and enjoy life more abundantly.
John 10:10
The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows). (AMPL)
God is love. God loved you and me so much that He sent His only Son, Jesus to take our place of punishment by a just God. Jesus suffered and died for our sins so we could be in relationship with God, the Father.
Ps 139:13-16 (TLB excerpt)
That sounds to me like God has good plans in store for us.
What about Accidents?
God is acquainted with all our ways. Even an “accident” is no surprise to God. When bad things happen to us it is never God’s fault. God is love, perfect, and cannot do evil.
I believe that sometimes it takes years for the enemy of our soul to set up his plans, but the goodness and mercy of God protects us. It is important to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit and obey His leading.
Eph 2:10 (AMPL excerpt)
God has good plans for your life.
Jer. 29:11 (NIV)
John 16:33 (NKJ)
Trials are a part of life, but God uses them for our good.
God’s Grace is Sufficient
God’s grace is poured out on us every day to help us in our weaknesses.
Heb 13:5-6 (TLB)
In the days following the accident I held onto the Bible teachings about Jesus, our Healer. Years later, I have experienced no lasting effects. God provided and protected me completely.
To me, there were three miracles that morning: surviving the accident, protection from traffic, and experiencing God’s peace.
Truly, His love never fails.
Walking in God’s grace and favor,
-Linda
Permission granted by Lighthouse Publications