THANKFUL

Chatting with Jesus
Friday, May 26, 2023

Lord, you have always protected your people. You arrange interactions and encounters for our good. Even your promise of Romans 8:28, “You make all things work for the good of those who follow you,” includes what we might consider ‘bad’ encounters. Recently, you reminded me of your protection.

Lord, forgive if I’m scaring you, but I’m taking my life into my hands getting on the freeway. Forgive my anger, but you saw that other driver playing NASCAR and refusing to let me over. I shook my fist and fell behind him and finally entered the freeway. Yes, I became irritated. This apocalyptic encounter cost me possibly eight to ten seconds of travel time. Am I the only Christ follower who has thought of following a rude driver home and setting his house on fire? Forgive me, Lord.

A few miles down the road where the four lanes merge into three lanes, a multicar accident happened in front of me. At least five cars were involved, and all suffered heavy damage. Thankfully, Lord, you guided me through the wreckage and safely home.

That night, you spoke to my inner man.

“Do you believe Romans 8:28 or would you rather remain clueless?”

“Okay, Lord. What’d I miss?”

“I protected you. I sent an angel to irritate that driver to slow you down and not to let you in. Otherwise, you were headed for a NASCAR-style wreck. Big deal. That eight or ten seconds of annoyance was for your good.”

Lord, how fitting you led me to Psalm 91:11— “For he will order his angels to protect you wherever you go.” Especially on the Dallas-Fort Worth freeways.

Everything is a lesson to be learned with you, isn’t it Jesus? Even little annoyances are for my good.

Amen, Jesus.