Accidental (Intentional) Meeting

Evotional by Rick Steele, Pastoral Intern

Last Tuesday evening I was making my way north to seminary for class as my wife, Ruth was heading south on the Dan Ryan Expressway towards home.  We were talking (hands free) on the phone figuring that we would soon pass each other en-route to our destinations teasing we would wave as we passed.  Suddenly there was a pause in the conversation; Ruth informed me that a vehicle smashed into the rear of her vehicle ramming her forward into another vehicle.  After assurances that she was not injured, we terminated the call and my destination altered as I headed to the accident site.  Upon arrival, I was relieved to find no people involved were hurt, I wish I could say the same for Ruth’s sandwiched car.  As we waited for police and tow trucks, Ruth shared with me her conversation with the driver that caused the accident.  She stated that he was feeling remorseful for this situation, but she felt there was more to he was not sharing.  She continued in conversation and learned he was returning home from Northwestern Hospital after learning his daughter, who has been battling breast cancer, had taken a downward turn.  Ruth held his hand and offered prayers of comfort.  Heavy traffic delayed both the police and tow truck from reaching the scene, allowing more time to fellowship and share the ministry of prayer.  

As each new day starts, we really do not know who or what is going to cross our paths, but we do know is that God continually guides us.  God gives us the strength, grace, and PLACE to share the love of Jesus Christ with those in need.  We need to look at all of our chance encounters as an opportunity to share witness with those we meet. 

“So, my child, draw your strength from the grace that is in Christ Jesus.  Take the things you heard me say in front of many other witnesses and pass them on to faithful people who are also capable of teaching others.  Accept your share of suffering like a good soldier of Christ Jesus” (2Ti 2:1-3 CEB).

As we left our “compact” vehicle on the hook of the tow truck, we bid farewell and assured a worried father that many would be lifting he and his daughter to the Lord in prayer.