The Blessing in the Wreck

(If you want to read the prologue to this devotion, run over to the Knightly News—and then hurry back here—for the best of the “rest of the story”.)

The jolt took me by surprise.  I heard a scream in my ears.  It was mine.  In a matter of milliseconds my afternoon changed.  I would be parked on the side of the road for well over an hour.  The blessing in this little bump in my day, no one was hurt. Only my vehicle…and the vehicle of the young guy that rear-ended me.    The Lord used it to call my attention to some things–that  maybe needs all of our attention.

In a calm and orderly manner, the young police officer began to gather our information.  A few questions answered by me and the officer moved to question the driver of the other vehicle.  Neither one of us had incredible automobiles.  By looking at the outside, you wouldn’t suspect much on the inside.  But as the three officers began to talk among themselves, then report coded words into their radio, they obviously discovered something that might deem necessary to investigate the young man’s vehicle a bit more thoroughly.

 They circled his SUV quite casually.  Or so it would seem to the casual observer.  But since the young man had already admitted to me that he had a previous DUI on his record, which caused his insurance to rise, I knew what they were looking for.  They asked permission to open the back of his vehicle.  The young man, having nothing to hide gave them carte blanche to pick through his belongings.

Much later, as I was driving home, that very scene began to roll back through my mind.  What if, at a moments notice, a band of Heavenly Officials were authorized to go through all the secret places in our hearts and lives, laying it all bare for the world to see?  What would they find?  Would we have something to hide?

In the young man’s vehicle, the police officers found he had just made a pharmacy run (which they questioned him about). He had picked up his prescriptions.  There was evidence that he was a smoker.  His empty package in the vehicle and the full one in his pocket disclosed that truth. There was evidence that he was a student.  His vehicle bore witness to the fact that he was a male type pack rat [of sorts].  Miscellaneous clothing items, empty cooler, food wrappings, etc.  The normal stuff you’d expect to find in the average 24 year old male—sometimes even female, vehicle.

I began to wonder if they would do the same to mine.  They didn’t.  If they had, I knew what they’d find.  A set of curtains I had just picked up from my friend who had sewn the selected fabric for me.  Along with my work bag, which consisted of my current Bible Study, a notebook, reading glasses, highlighter, my Bible(s), makeup, chewing gum, four studies on CD by Beth Moore. A makeup bag full of change (for the lunchtime run to McD’s) along with a couple of ink pens, an empty Sierra Mist bottle, an empty water bottle, a few napkins (possibly leftover from recent McD’s run), a blanket, jumper cables and a pillow.  (The pillow and blanket are for when I get cold or sleepy while driving.) (Oh, not while I’m driving…while Jeff is driving. Sorry to scare you.)

But that’s just surface stuff.  Dig deeper.  In his past, the young man admitted to driving while intoxicated.  Had he been forgiven?  That’s something I don’t know.  Had he learned a lesson? I imagine so.  Since he didn’t divulge any further information on his lifestyle, I don’t know what might be there.  But God knows.

What about mine?  There has been sin.  Many different sins.  From hatred and unforgiveness all the way to thoughts of evil—to do bodily harm (remember my oldest child had a bad habit of choosing the wrong boyfriends), and many more I am quite certain.  The difference between mine and  the young man that way-layed my day?  I KNOW where my sin lies.  It is COVERED by the blood of Jesus.  And then cast as far as the east is from the west, never to be remembered by Him any more.

He has not punished us for all our sins, nor does he deal with us as we deserve. For his unfailing love toward those who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth.He has removed our rebellious acts as far away from us as the east is from the west.The Lord is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him.For he understands how weak we are; he knows we are only dust. Our days on earth are like grass; like wildflowers, we bloom and die. The wind blows, and we are gone- as though we had never been here. But the love of the Lord remains forever with those who fear him. His salvation extends to the children’s children of those who are faithful to his covenant, of those who obey his commandments! Psalm 103:10-18 NLT

Father in heaven, only YOU know what is in each of our lives.   It is never hidden from your sight until we confess it and You cover it with the precious blood of Your only Son, Jesus Christ.  Today, I ask that as each person reads this devotion, You would in turn reveal to each of our hearts the sin that has not been dealt with.  I ask that You would show us, teach us and give us the strength to turn over every area of our lives to You.  For nothing is hidden.  Then give us the calm assurance that is is covered. Covered and scattered from the east to the west. Far removed. Never remembered.  Use us.  I love you Father and thank You for always being present with us. For Your divine protection.  I pray all this in the name of Your only Son, Jesus Christ~Amen.

Trusting Him,

Angie

Enjoyed the Post? Share...

Facebook

Twitter

Pinterest

Linkedin

email

Digg

Reddit

• ← A Sunflower’s Tale
• The Gift →