WITH JESUS IN THE CAR

Some years ago I was traveling from my home in Switzerland to a US Air Force Base in central Germany to preach for a Pentecostal Servicemen’s Fellowship. I took the scenic route through the Black Forest because I had until late in the afternoon to get there. I was thinking about the message God laid on my heart as I drove through the beautiful countryside. As I rounded a corner on the two-lane country road, it began to rise uphill toward a small village at the top. Because of the rolling hillside, there were places where the road cut through the land and on each side were vertical dirt banks that rose as high as ten feet, leaving no room to pull onto the shoulder.

About halfway up, I noticed a large truck, compared to my small VW, coming toward me down the incline. As the truck approached, suddenly another truck pulled out from behind to pass. At first, it didn’t alarm me, but as they got closer the distance was closing fast and the truck trying to pass had pulled alongside the other truck but didn’t seem to be gaining any headway. In a matter of seconds, I realized that there wasn’t enough time for either truck to slam on its brakes to avoid a collision. I instinctively pulled to the right of the roadway as far as I could and hit my brakes. There was no shoulder, and the dirt embankment was too steep to pull up on out of the way.

As both trucks came barreling toward me I closed my eyes and said, “Here I come, Lord, I’m ready to go.” Just that second my little VW swayed to the right as if hit by a buffer of strong wind. When I heard no sound of crunching metal or breaking glass, I looked up, the trucks were gone, and I was safe. I quickly looked into my rear-view mirror and saw the two trucks going down the road behind me. It thanked God for His protection and nervously started my engine. I looked at my watch to see the time and then continued toward my destination.

When I got to the U. S. Service member’s living quarters where I was going to stay, after inviting me in the lady of the house began fixing the meal so it would be ready when her husband got home. All at once she stopped, and approached me somewhat hesitantly and inquired if she could ask me a question. I said, “Yes, of course.” She continued, “Would you happen to know where you were earlier today?” and she gave me the time. “Oh, yes,” I replied, I was about to be crushed by two trucks in the Black Forrest.”

She seemed astounded, and asked me to make sure I had the right time, and I told her I remember because I looked at my watch. Then with tears in her eyes, she told me that just before that time she was preparing everything for my arrival and was in the kitchen when all of a sudden the Holy Spirit spoke to her spirit and told her to drop everything and pray for me. Quickly, she went into the bedroom and fell to her knees in obedience and began to pray, but not knowing exactly what for. She prayed until the burden lifted, and then continued where she left off getting the house and meal ready.

I learned that day, never think God is not looking out for you. And I also learned that when the Holy Spirit tells you to do something, do it then and do it fast, whether it’s to call someone, visit someone, or pray for someone. You just may be part of a divine miracle. – Dr. Robert R. Seyda