By Sharon Reidenbach
The left lane of traffic stopped. A new RV had broken down and the driver shook his head as he looked under the hood.

We like the fast lane where the movers and shakers—high risers travel. We whiz by the creepers in the right lane. But when we’re stalled, we moan or lament, “I didn’t sign up for this.”

History tells us of those who came to an unexpected, screeching halt. For instance, a young Winston Churchill climbed the political ladder quickly. But during World War I he forced his generals to carry out a far-reaching campaign at sea. It cost England lives and a defeat. Churchill was pulled from the fast lane–humiliated: politically dethroned. Later in life he became Prime Minister of England, and protected her wisely during WW II.

Another example is the father of the Hebrew nation: Abraham. In Genesis 15:12 God gave him a great vision. Then afterwards Abraham did not hear from God for thirteen years! From ‘The Utmost for His Highest,’ Oswald Chambers indicated: During those thirteen years of silence, all self-sufficiency was destroyed. The years of silence were a time of discipline, not of displeasure.

Recently my husband and I were abruptly removed from the fast lane. A horrific interior problem to our condo caused us to move out—permanently. We’ve been well taken care of, and have a temporary place to live. But it’s hard and challenging. Until we’re asked to live what we speak, preach and write regarding how we exercise believing faith, we don’t realize the magnitude of what trust means. Times like these are Satan’s happiest hour; he runs us over with thoughts of doubt, worry and a sense of loss.

During one hard, sleepless, crying night, our faithful God had the Holy Spirit remind me of the following verses I’d memorized:

“We are pressed on every side by troubles, but not crushed or broken. We are perplexed because we don’t know why things happen as they do, but we don’t give up and quit. We are hunted down, but God never abandons us. We get knocked down, but we get up again and keep going. These bodies of ours are constantly facing death just as Jesus did; so it is clear to all that it is only the living Christ within [who keeps us safe]” 2 Corinthians 4:8-10. (The Living Bible).

Did the RV driver, Churchill or Abraham have a clue they’d come to a halt? How prepared were any of them to handle their circumstances? One can’t wait until a crisis hits.

We are not settled yet. But the reality of God’s presence has never been closer. Reading, studying and memorizing scripture during the blissful times was preparing us for the stall!

Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body; but rather to skid in thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming “ Wow, what a ride!!” (Anonymous)