What a morning! After spending an hour stuck in an angry stranger’s driveway, I finally found myself on my way to school. (See “Adventures in Winter Driving, Part 1: Did you hit my Tree?” For THAT story!) It sure felt good to no longer be in that ditch!

In reality, the snow of the previous night had transformed the world into a winter wonderland. I didn’t stop to admire it, though. How could I? I was already over an hour late! The only responsible thing to do would be to hurry! I pressed down on the accelerator, and soon all the winter beauty was nothing more than a white blur out my window.

At this speed, it didn’t take long for me to arrive at the main crossroad, where a red, octagonal sign warning me that I’d better stop. “No problem,” I thought. But when I put my right foot on the brake, nothing happened! Now what???

Fortunately, the van is equipped with antilock brakes. Otherwise I would have fishtailed myself back into the ditch! Equally as fortunately, there didn’t appear to be any traffic on the main road. Maybe I could just slide to the other side where I would eventually slow to a halt and be able to turn around . . .

As my mind played through this possible scenario, a car appeared on the main road – just at the exact distance to be right in front of my van when I entered the intersection! I instinctively tried to brake harder, but the only response was that I slid faster! “Lord, I am at your mercy,” I cried out desperately. “Help me to NOT hit that car! Help me to NOT hurt anyone!”

Instantly, my van skidded to a halt, right at the stop sign! It was as if an invisible force had simply kept it from entering the intersection. As the driver of the oncoming car passed, I couldn’t help but notice the look of relief on her pale face. “Thank you, Lord, for having come to my rescue,” I breathed. “Thank you for saving both of us from that accident. You are so awesome Lord!”

I learned an important lesson that day. Instead of relying on my own efforts, as usual, I had called upon the Lord and He had answered. He always responds when we put our complete trust in Him instead of in ourselves! This helped me to realize that I should not worry about my circumstances, no matter how bleak and depressing they may seem. I have a Father in Heaven who will take care of me, but only when I LET Him! I resolved that from that day forward, I would try to wait upon the Lord. My prayer is the same as David’s: “When I am afraid, I will trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?” (Psalms 56: 3-4 NIV)

Watch out! You’re sliding through an icy intersection! Who will YOU trust?

Rob Chaffart

(To access the entire “Adventures in Winter Driving” devotional series, please click here.)