And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. (Ephesians 6:18, NIV)
I thought I was going to miss my flight. After a long week on the road covering a major, it’s such a sinking feeling.
Everything was going so smoothly! I was driving down the highway in Dallas, listening to a favorite pastor interview members of his congregation as they were being baptized in water. Tears of joy streamed down my face.
And then I missed a turn. Immediate panic!
How long of a detour would this be? Then it hit me: I didn’t plan for a shuttle ride from the rental car center. I was thinking of the wrong airport!
To make matters worse, I was flying on a different airline than usual and had zero status for check-in. What if there’s a long line? What if the shuttle bus takes forever? What if I can’t find a gas station in the next two minutes?
I texted my husband and asked him to pray. And then I was struck by how quickly I’d gone from peace to panic.
I prayed at the stoplight.
The next series of events felt like the parting of the Red Sea. I pulled into Avis, and the shuttle driver came to my car to retrieve my bag, as if he had been waiting for me. In 23 years of work travel, that’s never happened.
We left as soon as I got on the bus—solo ride. I got off and tipped him with the last of my cash, and then spotted a curbside check-in within 50 yards. They only took credit cards, and I could add a tip!
I made it through the process so quickly, I even had time for a Chick-fil-A biscuit! And a seat in an exit row!
Truly miraculous.
Don’t get me wrong, I’ve had my share of travel nightmares. But I couldn’t help but think that God was sending a message: I am with you.
God is in the details. When we get specific, we see him more clearly at work! Prayer doesn’t happen only at appointed times. Talking to God should be woven into the fabric of our days.
In Matthew 20:29-34 (NIV), Jesus healed two blind men sitting by the road.
“Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!” they said.
Jesus stopped and called to them. “What do you want me to do for you?” he asked.
“Lord,” they answered, “we want our sight.
Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately, they received their sight and followed him.
Jesus knew their need before they asked. But it’s in the asking that we learn to rely on him. And when it doesn’t go as planned – as is often the case – we know that God is still with us, working all things for good.
PRAYER: Father God, thank you for caring about us every minute of every day. Thank you for hearing our cries and loving us far more than we could ever comprehend. May we lean into your presence throughout our daily lives, trusting and listening as you lead us.