by David Scott Robertson
I got in my car and turned the key in the ignition and nothing happened. Huh? I had been driving my 1998 Toyota Corolla for YEARS without this happening. Suddenly, without warning, my car battery was dead and it was dark, it was raining, and I didn't have jumper cables.
How could this happen to a fine Christian young man like me? Don't I pay my tithes faithfully? Don't I read my Bible every single day? Don't I try to have a decent prayer time on a regular basis? And now my car battery is dead and I'm stuck. That's makes about as much sense as my getting diarrhea on a missions trip I took to Indonesia one time.
Was God mad at me? Did I slip up and sin along the way and now God is rebuking me through my car? Am I being tested for patience or tempted through frustration?
This impromptu dilemma taught me three valuable lessons about suffering that we may benefit from learning.
1. KEEP THINGS IN PERSPECTIVE
A dead car battery is really not a major deal. It may have been inconvenient but it was not life threatening. Millions of other people have to deal with body parts not functioning properly on a daily basis and all I faced was a minor and temporary problem one rainy night. Look at your problems in light of the bigger picture.
2. GUARD YOUR ATTITUDE
I needed to keep my attitude in check. Kicking the car, throwing my keys, slamming the hood, and grumbling and complaining about the whole deal would be senseless, particularly if anybody saw me acting in such an immature way. In this case, I had to ask others for assistance--something men generally don't like to do! But people watch (and listen to) how we react to the same problems they face. If we can maintain a positive, faith-filled, joyful attitude during a crisis--large or small--we can make a lasting impression that God can capitalize on later.
3. LOOK FOR GOD IN THE "DIVINE DETOUR"
I don't view a dead battery as "God's judgment" unleashed on my life. Rather, situations like this can be approached with a sense of excitement to see what God is up to. I have learned in walking with Jesus for over three decades now that often unexpected problems lead to unexpected pleasures and opportunities. Furthermore, God's Word contains comforting promises that bring balance and hope into the situation like these classic passages:
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28).
"The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way" (Psalm 37:23 KJV).
Knowing these facts from the Bible can alleviate needless stress, activate faith, initiate God's miracle provision, and advance God's plan in and through the Christian's carefully monitored, closely observed, and divinely ordained life.
Back to the dead battery story. All is well and everything worked out fine (according to God's plan).
- I borrowed jumper cables from a man whom I am now going to breakfast with next week.
- I got home without incident and replaced the battery for $20 the next day.
- My dad assisted me in the replacement and we went to lunch afterward for some father/son time.
- The delay may have saved my life from a tragic accident.
- Who knows what trouble the Lord kept me from or what opportunity the Lord is leading me to through this unplanned diversion?
The next time something negative or inconvenient happens to you--large or small--may I encourage you to keep things in perspective, guard your attitude, and look for God's fingerprints in the "divine detour"?
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything" (James 1:2-4).
DSR
7/18/04