Crumbs Under the Table

It is very easy to minimize God’s protection in our lives. How much doesn’t happen to us because He silently directs our steps? I believe that I was spared driving into a tornado this week. You can read the details here.

It is easy to look at the storm chasers and imagine that it isn’t that difficult to avoid a tornado. However, towing a car behind an old pickup with loose steering is difficult enough with the strong wind shifts from both oncoming and passing big rigs. Something as small as the slants or grooves in the road tended to redirect the truck in ways that I didn’t want. And, when towing a car, your reactions have to be measured and controlled lest you create a greater problem by whipping the towed vehicle behind you. With the winds generated in a tornado affected area, I would have had to pull over to the side of the road. I would have been a sitting duck.

Daily we are faced with small choices that form and mold our hearts. The fact is that God does actively protect His children. The only question is will we recognize it and be grateful or will we cynically explain everything away.

“How do you know that you would have been at that place when the tornado hit?”

I don’t. But, I do know that my plans would have had me driving through that very around the very time that the tornado touched down. And I also know that my plans were foiled by an unexpected event.

“It was your own negligence that caused the unexpected event, not God.”

That might be true. However, I would query back, “Why didn’t I tighten the lug nuts? I am not a careless man. In fact, I am very responsible. Why would I overlook something so crucial, especially on a long term project that is so close to being completed?”

I have chosen to believe that God really was watching out for me. I have chosen to give Him thanks. I am willing to look foolish. I am willing to be accused of being a little melodramatic. If that is the cost of maintaining a trusting, grateful heart, it is a small price to pay.