Saturday evening was cool peaceful and I looked forward to meeting Sophie and Peter for a late dinner after their evening church service. Receiving their text that it was time to leave, I headed out from the house driving my favorite car, the Toyota Prius. I like to call the car Zippy :—) It’s little and gets great gas mileage.
I waited at a red light, noticing the white truck in front of me and listening to the local christian radio station. Suddenly, in the darkness, the backend of my car was hit straight on by a reckless driver speeding down the road. The next thing I realized was my foot pressing down upon the break and my hands trying to open the door. Blood oozed down my face and even though the door remained jammed shut I was able to move the window down to get some air and call for help.
Accident – an unfortunate incident that happens unexpectedly, typically resulting in damage or injury.
The unexpected occurred within a split second. One moment I was resting comfortably in the car at a stop light; the next moment, I’m smooshed in Zippy. With both the front and back ends looking like an accordion and blood running down my face I watched the reckless vehicle attempt to escape around me and hit another vehicle before crashing itself on the median.
Over the next few hours God provided medical professionals, law reinforcement, strangers and family to attend to my needs and those others involved. I am thankful for God’s provision and protection.
While the accident was unexpected for me, I believe God was neither surprised nor uninvolved in the incident. God’s protective fingerprints appear all over the collision.
- My posture in the Prius was relaxed, I was not tense or strained when the crash took place.
- My seatbelt safely held me in the seat.
- Although the air-bag did not deploy and I hit the steering wheel forcefully, I only received a cut above my eyebrow, small bruising, a mild concussion, and headache.
- The car is totaled, and yet, I walked away without any broken bones.
- My phone actually sat (seemingly glued to the seat) between my legs, unmoved by the high impact, so I could call the last used number which was Sophie.
- My family was able to arrive to the scene within minutes of the crash.
Evidence of God surrounds this accident. Accidents in life catch us by surprise, hence, the label, “accident.” Some accidents seem small with minimal impact, while others bring life altering consequences.
Consider for a moment some of the accidents you have experienced in life. Notice those occasions that had few long term effects like stubbing your toe, dropping a baking pan, losing your jacket on trip, forgetting to write a thank you note, or washing dark jeans with a light colored top, etc. In the moment you might think “the sky is falling” and these accidents are tragic. Yet, while these incidents may cause great inconveniences, frustrations, and opportunities for personal growth; the eternal implications are quite minimal.
Now, consider accidents that lead to far reaching consequences and even eternal repercussions. These situations may include cars colliding, airplanes failing, forgetting to change the smoke alarm batteries, slipping on a patch of ice, etc. These, too, represent unplanned, unknown, and calamitous events. Because of these accidents, life may change forever: daily living becomes more difficult, financial pressures mount, and relationships experience strain, but still, God’s sovereign companionship remains.
No matter the impact of the accident, we often experience unease, insecurity and even anxiety as a result. Nevertheless, the truth is: God is present in each and every moment of every day, whether there is an accident or not. He is there in the joys and sorrows, the anticipated and surprising, the victories and defeat. If we look, we see at least a few reminders of God existence and protection in the midst of the “unprepared for” experiences. God offers a secure foundation when all else feels uncertain. He is steady, sure, and dependable. God expels fear with His calming love. By the power of His Spirit, God envelops our shaken souls with His peace and power. He is Faithful.
I’m reminded of the story of Mephibosheth as recounted in 2 Samuel 4. At five years old, this young boy’s father, Jonathan, best friend to King David, was killed in battle. In efforts to protect the child, a nurse picked Mephibosheth up and fled, but in her haste she accidentally dropped him and both of his legs were crippled. They eventually found refuge and years later, King David remembered his friendship covenant with Jonathan and invited Mephibosheth to join his family (see 1 Samuel 9).
This accident led to an opportunity for King David to extend blessing and honor to his dear friend, Jonathan. Mephibosheth’s accident eventually brought about great kindness, protection and familial community for both himself and his family by King David. What seemed unexpected in the moment was a part of God’s plan for Mephibosheth’s future. God was not surprised by this event and He was clearly involved.
Accidents happen. How do we respond to them? In what ways do we look to God in the unexpected and unfortunate?
Although I am still quite shaken and sore, I am looking for the goodness of God in this accident. I will keep looking for His fingerprints and with the Psalmist proclaim: “I will call to mind the deeds of the Lord. I will remember [His] wonders of old. I will meditate on all [HIs] works, and muse on [His] mighty deeds” (Psalm 77:11-12).
I pray you notice God’s fingerprints in the midst of the accidents of life and look with me for His constant presence which offers stability, sanity, and security. He is Faithful.
Drips from the Word: Muse about these Bible verses. Let these truths impact your living.
Psalm 56:8-11
Record my misery; list my tears on your scroll – are they not in your record? Then my enemies will turn back when I call for help. By this I will know that God is for me. In God, whose word I praise, in the Lord, whose word I praise—in God I trust and am not afraid. What can man do to me?Ephesians 2:10
For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.
Splashes from the Spigot: Drink from deep wells. Check out these suggested YouTube videos to fill your soul.
Laura Story. Blessings. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cd6J6Wgnv4M.
Casting Crowns. I Will Praise You in this Storm. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DoqbKyeKOBI v=DoqbKyeKOBI