Detour

Ever have one of those items on your to-do list that you just want to get over and done with?  For me this cold February morning, it was to go to the DMV to get my new driver’s license picture.  You’ve heard all the jokes about the lines and complaints about the staff, so I was dreading making the trip there.  Plus, for us ladies, there is the added pressure of looking nice, so you aren’t stuck with an ugly driver’s license for the next four years!  I think we all can say there has been one version of our driver’s license picture, we’d like to forget.  (I am thinking of myself, 18 year old Marcy with my Sun-In, Aqua Net, circa 1994 hair-do!)

After getting the kids and husband out the door to school, I busied myself with hair, makeup, etc.  I carefully chose my outfit from the waist up.  I’ll be seeing this shirt for the next 4 years, I better love it.  (Again, thinking of 18 year old me with my Elvis t-shirt and gold rope chain necklace!) Finally, I was ready to warm up my husband’s car.  It has been so cold I said a quick prayer that his car would start for me.  He took my mini-van so his car was my only option.  When the engine caught, I said a quick “Amen!” But then I saw the gas gauge…  EMPTY!!!  Oh no! I am in a hurry! I do not have time to stop and get gas. I have got to go and get to the DMV before they get really busy and the kids need picked up from school!

After letting the car warm up a minute, I headed off to the closest gas station I could find, disgruntled and complaining the entire two minute drive.  I got stuck at the red light, which didn’t help much either.  I pulled in to the gas station, next to a pump and put my gloves on.  I braced myself for the cold and got out of the car.

While filling up the tank, I heard two ladies across from me who seemed friendly, yelling at each other.  Yelling in a good way of course! It was loud with all the noise from other cars and trucks but I couldn’t help but overhear their conversation.  The first lady told her friend she missed seeing her.  To which the second lady replied, “I’ve been sober for 237 days now!” Her friend sounded genuinely happy for her, “That’s great to hear! I’ve stopped smoking for a year now!” As the two friends congratulated each other, God spoke to my heart and I immediately knew exactly why I was at that place, at that very time.  God wanted me to pray for those women!

As I stood next to my car and the cold wind blew against my face, I felt led by the Holy Spirit to pray for these two strangers.  I thanked God for the one lady’s sobriety, prayed for strength for her, for continued success in staying sober, and for her heart to be softened toward Jesus if she was unsaved.  Then I prayed for her non-smoking friend.  Once again, I thanked God for her quitting smoking, strength to not smoke in the future, to see all the money she has saved by not smoking, for her good health, and also for her to know Jesus if He wasn’t already dwelling within her. 

Can I tell you as I stepped back into my car I was no longer worried about getting anywhere in a hurry? I smiled the entire trip to the DMV, the ONE minute I waited for my turn, as the very nice lady took my picture, and as that very same nice lady handed me my new license and told me what a nice picture I had taken!

I cannot promise you that every detour in life will turn out like this but sometimes, we need to be aware that life’s detours may not really be detours at all.  Listen for the still, small voice of the Lord.  Be obedient to Him and let Him lead you!  

All We Have to Fear is... Nothing!

Polar Vortex.  Sounds scary right?  The news warned of the extreme cold temperatures set to hit our region.  The Polar Vortex blew into Pittsburgh one stormy night and boy, it did not arrive quietly.  The night before the Polar Vortex was to set in, I watched the weather forecast.  I shivered at the thought of the subzero temps that were headed our way in hours.  I thought to myself, “Man, I hope the power doesn’t go out.  It is so windy out there.  It is going to get so cold.  What if the pipes freeze? What if there’s no power for the furnace to run? Where will we go? How will I keep the kids warm?” And on, and on my thoughts raced.  I was starting to let fear take hold. I realized what was going on and decided to just stop worrying and go to bed. 

I was tired from the events from the day and fell asleep quickly.  But my slumber would not last long.  I heard the popping noise first and was fully awake by the time my husband jumped out of bed, opened the blinds, and revealed the flames and sparks right outside our bedroom window. We both stared out the window in amazement.  The power lines behind our home appeared to be on fire! My husband turned to me and told me to call 911.  I ran downstairs and picked up the phone just as the power went off! I tried the phone anyway but it was dead. I fumbled with my cell phone as my fingers were shaking to dial those three most important numbers. As I spoke with the 911 operator, telling her the situation, I heard a voice in the back of my head, “See! It happened! I told you the power was going to go out!” My heart started to pound even faster and a wave of fear paralyzed me.

Then, I looked out my front window.  I felt the fear slip away from my body as God’s Word filled my head.  I heard the still, small voice of God whisper to me, “I did not give you a spirit of fear.” As those words filled my mind and heart, the power clicked back on.  Sirens heard outside revealed that the fire department and police had arrived. My husband and I watched all the action out on the street from our bedroom window. 

Eventually we went back to bed and as I went back to sleep, I was calm.  I knew God would protect me.  I had no fear of what the morning would bring or how cold it would get with the Polar Vortex. I didn’t need to let worry rule my thoughts.  I didn’t need to stress about what may or may not happen because God is with me.  God has me in the palm of His Hand and He is in control.

What do you fear? Are you letting worry and anxiety stress you out?  It does not need to.  God did not intend for us to have a spirit of fear. Turn your fears over to God and release them from your grasp. Our Lord is strong and powerful. He will protect you and always, always love you.

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”  2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV)

Do you want to learn more about this Mighty God that releases us from all fear, strengthens us, and protects us? Please email women@westridge.cc with questions or prayers!