Have you ever had a close call? Have you narrowly escaped a tragic incident? Were you nearly in an auto accident but missed by a hair? What were your thoughts afterward? Did you breathe a sigh of relief? Did you shout with joy? Or were you angry? Did you give thanks to God?
As we travel through this life, we will have close calls. We may be at the wrong place at the wrong time and yet just miss being caught in a catastrophe. We may miss being in an auto accident by an eyelash. We may have missed a bad situation without even knowing it.
I have experienced someone pulling out in front of me, suddenly breaking hard, and cutting me off making a lane change. I have even nearly attempted a lane change with someone next me. Accidents happen. Thankfully, in these cases, I was able to avoid one. I can say my heart rate jumped in each case. In some of them, I was either thinking or yelling at the other person. Not really the appropriate reaction.
There have been other times when I missed being in a bad situation without initially knowing it. For example, I missed being in a multi-car pile up on I95 because, for whatever reason, I decided to take a different route home from work. Afterward, when I heard of the accident, I thanked God that he had given me the thought of taking a different way home.
That should be our reaction—to thank God. I confess, that has not always been my reaction. But we need to remember that God is always working. He helps us narrowly escape bad situations, likely more than we know. Think back on your own life. Remember a time when you missed being in a bad situation because you had a feeling you should go a different direction or not go at all. When you remember one or more of those, give thanks to God for guiding you elsewhere.
I pray we know that God is constantly working. I pray we recognize those times when God guides away from bad situations. I pray each one of us give thanks to God for guiding us to safety. Know God is working. Recognize his intercession. Listen to God’s guidance. Give thanks to God.
Psalm 124:7-8
We have escaped like a bird
from the snare of the fowlers;
the snare is broken,
and we have escaped.
Our help is in the name of the Lord,
who made heaven and earth.
Marty Pressey 