The LORD hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles. Psalm 34:17 (NLT)
Raindrops pelted my car windshield recently as I headed out of the dentist’s parking lot to finish my errands. Not a good day to shop for groceries! Ah well, my trusty umbrella rested beside me.
But just as I pulled onto the highway, the skies exploded with rain. I made a split-second decision to go for it and not return home, hoping the deluge would let up. Bad decision. As I turned onto the main street, water almost flooded the sides, sloshing near the curb. I could barely see the street. I slowed down, but pickup trucks raced by me, drenching my windshield and blinding my view. Entering the grocery store parking lot, I inched my way through a parade of other cars.
I’ve got to get home! Panic rose as the rain descended harder. I circled the parking lot, then exited onto the interstate service road. Through the blurred windshield, I could see nothing but a thin veil of light. I didn’t know what to do. There was no place to turn around or pull over.
Remembering the Bible promise I had just read earlier that morning in Psalm 34:17, I began crying out one word: Jesus! Jesus! Jesus! The more it poured, the louder I cried. My yells continued as I inched through the blinding rain, focusing only on the faint red taillights of a car that suddenly appeared in front of me.
The rain never stopped. About twenty minutes later, I arrived home and walked into the arms of my husband. I realized then what could have happened. But Jesus had heard my cries, delivered me safely out of my troubles, and filled me with peace—and a huge amount of gratitude.
Faith Step: Think about the times when Jesus heard your cries to Him. Offer a prayer of gratitude for His timely rescues in the midst of difficult circumstances.
