“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil 4:6-7 NIV)

Have you noticed that stock markets are controlled by fear? So are the daily news and the insurance industries. We are being fed fear, an extreme kind of worry, on a daily basis. Is it any wonder we are all basket cases?

As believers of the Most High, however, we are encouraged to avoid such negativity and focus instead on our Saviour and Maker, who not only will respond to us, but will also surround us with a peace far beyond comprehension. We truly have a lot to thank God for! After all, isn’t He in control?

A couple of years ago I would never have anticipated that I would praise God for experiencing a flat tire far away from home. A nail ruptured the tire in such a way that it could not be repaired. The only option was to replace the tire. The nearest tire-repair shop was in a local WalMart, and one hundred dollars later, we were back on the road. Yes, it hurts when we have unexpected expenses, but somehow God sees us through, no matter what our circumstances.

Two months later we had another flat, in the exact same tire. Although purchased in the States, we went to our Canadian WalMart, and they replaced it for free. Their guarantee obviously crosses international borders! Yahoo! (Although I am more a Google kind of a guy!)

Two months later, at the time of our bi-yearly car maintenance, it was found that our tires didn’t have enough tread to safely make it through the upcoming winter. We were urged to replace them all. The estimated cost? 760$!

But what about the brand new WalMart tire? Surely it still had enough tread!

“It is best if all four of your tires are the same, and that tire isn’t made any longer!”

Back to Walmart we went. They still had the exact tire on stock, and they replaced my other 3 thread-bare ones for the mere price of 380$, exactly half the price we had been originally quoted. Despite the unforeseen expense, we were still able to celebrate Christmas, thanks to that summer’s flat tire!

We may not always know why we are going through rough times, but one thing is for sure, we do not need to be anxious about anything, as our Heavenly Dad is indeed taking care of us.

Oh no! Someone broke into my car!

I can’t wait to see how God will manifest Himself! Maybe this time it will be an opportunity to getting to know our neighbour!

Rob Chaffart

(To access the entire “Only in Jesus” devotional series, please click here.)