I took a long drive up to Cleveland yesterday to visit a good friend who had major surgery in one of the hospitals Tuesday. I’ve always enjoyed driving, especially when I can hook up my mp3 player and listen to music during the commute. The trip from Canton to Cleveland is a little over an hour so I was able to enjoy listening to and singing along with some good music. I’m really into Hillsong as well as old-school Michael Jackson these days. I was kidding about the Michael Jackson part, although I did own a pair of leather pants and one single glove when I was in elementary school. About halfway through the trip, which is mostly on the highway, I encountered one of those slow northeast Ohio drivers who misread the speed limit. He thought it said 45mph instead of 65mph. I was very tempted to rock his world by just ramming him, but I figured my friend at the hospital was expecting me soon so I should just change lanes. Being a very professional driver, I actually used my turn signal and began to merge over into the right lane. As I was making my way into the other lane, I thought that I should check my blind spot so I quickly looked over my left shoulder. That is when I noticed another car was already occupying the space I was getting ready to take. My heart skipped a beat and I furiously steered my car back into the left lane.
I hate it when I’m caught off guard. I’m sure you’ve been there also – an unwelcome expense, an unexpected illness, a relationship suddenly ends, a spiritual need catches you by surprise, a for sure business deal dissipates, a close friend abandons you when you need them most. You thought you were moving forward but out of nowhere something comes up that you didn’t expect. Instead of seeing these “setbacks” as an opportunity to question God’s favor on your life, use them as a chance to become stronger in Christ.
James’ words to Christians who were experiencing the unexpected are applicable when we encounter these blind spots, “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach [resentment], and it will be given to him” (James 1:3-5).
