In June 1995, I bought a new car. My first NEW car. I think it had 13 miles on it when I bought it—a Ford Escort LX Hatchback. I was so excited to have a NEW car. Although "I bought the car", I knew that it was really God's car. For everything He supplies, belongs to Him; I'm just a steward of His property.
A few weeks ago, I went to see my chiropractor, just as I do each week. Arriving in the town a little early, I stopped to get gas. I still had a few minutes, so decided to take the "scenic route" to his office. As I turned the corner up a side street I lost all power. The car died. I did manage to coast to the side of the road. I tried to start the car again—nothing. It was totally dead.
First, I called my chiropractor's office to let them know that I'd be late. Then I called my Emergency Road-side Service company for a tow. Then I called my good friend, Cathy, who is always ready to help, for a ride home.
The tow truck arrived, I made it to my chiropractor, and then Cathy brought me home. My car was taken to Roselle Tire & Auto—the "guys" have taken care of my car since I bought it. The problem included a few broken belts, water pump, and a couple of other necessary parts needed replacement.
When I arrived home, I was so confident I knew how I'd pay for this repair. I'd simply used one of my "credit card checks". The kind with a one-time fee and no interest for 6 months. That would provide some time to pay the repair bill. Well, I went to the file and got the credit card checks out—SURPRISE—they had all expired. Now what? I went through the budget and the money for this repair just wasn't there.
Then I stopped and realized, that I was trying to take care of this bill on my own terms. Did I ask God what HE wanted me to do? It is after all HIS CAR, and He will take care of all the details, that includes repair bills.
So, I stopped and did some talking with God. I decided that since God was now taking care of the repair bill, I'd do some straightening up around the apartment. With my current pain level, I can only do a little cleaning at one time. I was just getting to a breaking point, and decided that I'd move one more small box of items. As I lifted the box—SURPRISE! There sat a set of credit card checks, good for another few weeks.
How they ended up there, I have NO idea—well, okay I put them there—but why? I'm usually so very careful with those checks making sure they are in the file, or shredded. However, God used this "misplacement" to remind me that even if I think I know what He wants me to do, I have to stop and ask Him.
Another example of:
"What I'm trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God's giving. People who don't know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don't worry about missing out. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met. Matt 6:31-33 (The Message)
This experience reminded me that God doesn't always take care of me the same way each time. Just because in the past, I've used the credit card checks to pay for repair bills, doesn't mean that I don't have to consult God on a new bill. Yes, God did use the credit card check again. However, He had to make sure I knew that this was HIS way to pay for this bill, not mine.
This was a great lesson to teach me to ALWAYS consult God in ALL matters. Whether it be a car repair bill or something more minor or yes, even something larger. I don't have to worry about missing out, I'll find that all my everyday human concerns will be met.
Focusing on that truth will make a very positive day—don't you think?
