Sunday, November 7, 2010

In the Hands of a Loving God by Christina Darnell

“For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.”
Psalm 91:11-12

I shifted my weight on the seat, trying to ease the tension in my back. The trip from Florida back to North Carolina wasn’t long enough to be grueling, but it was close. It had been raining for the past hour, and the water was collecting in mud puddles on the side of the road. I pulled out my notebook, hoping to be productive while my husband, Daniel, drove.

I hadn’t been working for five minutes when I heard Daniel honking the horn yelling, “Dude, I’m right here.” My head jerked to the right where a semi-truck was merging into our lane. I didn’t have time to react before mud flew up from our tires as we swerved to regain control. As soon as the semi finished claiming the lane, it merged back to the right and sped off.

We were both breathing heavily, hearts racing, as he merged the car back onto the interstate. “Thank you, Lord,” he prayed under his breath. I was overcome by emotion. I felt anger toward with the stupid truck driver for being so careless with our lives, and then speeding off. I felt fear when I considered all the what-ifs. It wasn’t long before we drove by areas of the interstate with no median. What if the semi had run us off the road then? I felt insecurity when I realized we may have died if I had been the one driving instead of Daniel. How quickly my fleshly nature reacted in a situation of panic.

Then, like a breath of fresh air, I felt the Holy Spirit speak. Life may present a host of dangers, but in a situation where I was completely out of control; God had been completely in control. God had orchestrated our safety.

I quickly confessed my anger and fear to the Lord, and expressed gratefulness. I’ll remember that life will never give me control, but I am in the hands of a loving God who has complete control.

3 comments:

Ann said...

Christina,
I love reading about real life experiences and how God brings us through difficult situations. Thanks so much for sharing.
Ann

Kim Jackson said...

Christina, thank you for sharing your experience and profound reminder! Kim

Gail Burton Purath said...

Christina, so well written, a great analogy and such a good reminder of God's constant care. Thanks.