A Near Miss

Thursday afternoon, January 30, I was driving to Mansfield for an appointment. As usual, I went the quickest route (Plymouth-Springmill) since the roads were clear from previous snow and ice. I haven't been out on my own much since my surgery last September, but it felt good to be behind the wheel in charge of my destination. Little did I know, my destination could very easily have been an eternal one that afternoon. After all the health issues I've had over the past couple of years, a near miss nearly ended my journey in this life. But God ...

For those who aren't familiar with the area, Plymouth-Springmill Road in Shelby, Ohio, is a country road through Amish/Mennonite and farming communities. It's a bit curvy and hilly, but not overly so. If you know the road, you know when to watch for potential danger. I'm always on the look-out for buggies when going over hills or around the curves. But, even if you know the road, there's always the potential for danger; I know that now more than ever!

I was driving along approaching a crossroad. The East/West traffic had a stop sign; I was traveling south and had the right of way. I noticed a semi approaching the intersection that seemed to be slowing down, but very quickly realized it wasn't going to stop. In a split second, I slammed on my brakes and braced myself as I entered the intersection certain there was no way to avoid hitting the truck. At the last moment, I quickly turned to the right to at least soften the blow. But suddenly it seemed as if there was something, maybe like a cushion of air (the best way to describe what it felt like), preventing impact as the truck went on. I caught the eye of the driver – he just shrugged his shoulders and kept driving. Ugh!

Other cars near the intersection saw what had happened and, from the look on the faces of the drivers, they were shocked that we hadn't collided. I was very shaken, to say the least; it took me a few moments to calm down enough to drive on! But, it was that "cushion of air" that shielded my vehicle from impact that made me realize how God literally had been my shield, whether with angels – I don't know. But I do know that this was a near miss and my life had once again been spared.

Scripture began to flood my mind:

The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him. (Ps 28:7)

He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler. (Ps 91:4)

For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly. (Ps 84:11)

But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head. (Ps 3:3)

Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. (Prov 30:5)

He is my steadfast love and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield and he in whom I take refuge, who subdues peoples under me. (Ps 144:2)

This God—his way is perfect; the word of the Lord proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him. (Ps 18:30)

Our God ... a shield for those who trust Him and take refuge in Him. He was the shield that prevented me from what should have been a horrible accident!

I'm still dealing with painful whiplash in my lower back from the sudden stop, but I'm alive and more aware than ever that ..."the eye of the Lord is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love" (Ps 33:18).

Give God the glory ... give Him all the praise!!!