You Don’t Have To Settle For Second Best!

I have a lot to be thankful for in my life. I am so amazed at how I was plucked from the grips of death and given another day to celebrate the goodness of God in my life. This is the fourth incident where I came so close to losing my life. The first two incidents were very traumatic as it involved being held at gun-point. The third incident was a water sport where I could have been paralyzed or dead.

This incident seemed like a pretty normal thing at a friend’s farm where my son brought his young preschool child to see the cow and her calf. These cows were special Belted Galloways and my grandson was overjoyed to see them. We came so close to these beautiful creatures and they were so tame. It is an experience that this little boy will cherish as he grows older.

On our way home, riding at the back of the open 4×4 Ute, I was so preoccupied with what plans we had for the weekend. My son and grandson sat next to the driver and were sharing lots of stories. Boy-o-boy, that little boy has lots of questions! As we approached the farmhouse, it was close to sunset. The garden has huge trees with overhanging branches that reach very low, forming an umbrella for the cars to pass by. I was standing at the back of the open Ute and enjoying that time of day. Suddenly, I head a voice within my spirit say, “Sit down” and I obeyed.

The next thing I know was the vehicle whisked past those huge trees, rounded the corner and parked in front of the garage.  I sat there shell-shocked, realizing how close I was to the thick overhanging branches – I could have been decapitated in an instant. I told my friend who was driving and he too was shocked as he was so absorbed in conversation with my son and grandson that he completely forgot about me at the back of the vehicle.

I was gob-smacked and thank God that I could have been dead on the spot. This is the third time my life was saved at the point of death. I am eternally grateful for what God has done for me. I believe that He has something for me to do here on earth and to this end I am committed to God’s service and plans in my life. I wish to make this space I am living in, a better place for those who I come into contact.

I shudder to think what could have been the outcome if I did not obey that voice that told me to sit down. Surely, God was looking after me and only He knows the present, past and future. We just need to trust and obey.  It seems simple but it is this profound truth that many people often struggle with. It really doesn’t have to be that way.

Isaiah 50:10 NKJV says, “Who among you fears the Lord? Who obeys the voice of His Servant? Who walks in darkness and has no light? Let him trust in the name of the Lord and rely upon his God.

I have learnt from all my journeys in life that it is better to trust in the wisdom of God than to rely on my own limited intellect and He has never failed me. I am a living testimony of the goodness of God. Trust Him and you will never fear, whatever life brings your way.

Ren

Photo courtesy of Unsplash