In a recent conversation with one of my CBIG (Christian Business Impact Group) members, the conversation went to traveling. In my career, I’ve traveled extensively, averaging 250 – 300 flights per year for many years. I remarked that I have transitioned from believing that God will be with me to knowing it. While the specific topic was travel, the principle of transitioning from belief to knowledge applies in every area of our life.
We believe because we have read about it in scripture. We know because we have experienced it in our lives. It’s one thing to believe it because you’ve read it. It’s another thing to know it because you have experienced it.
In this example, I am reminded of a half of dozen really difficult moments while traveling – car accidents, breakdowns, confusing and troubling situations – and, in every one of them, God sent someone to help and resolve the situation. He really does have me in His hand. He really does look over me. I used to believe that. Now I know it because I’ve experienced it over and over again.
Here’s just one such example.
Coleen, my wife, Kelly, my youngest daughter, and I were driving back from Windsor, Ontario, where we had spent a couple of days. We headed to Metro Airport in Detroit, where Coleen would drop me off to catch a flight to a speaking engagement, and Coleen and Kelly would drive back to Grand Rapids.
That route took us through Detroit, and we found ourselves heading west on I-94 during rush hour. I was in the center lane, and on the right, a flatbed truck on the exit ramp had slammed on his brakes causing the trailer to jackknife across the road. It slid across all three lanes of traffic. I was able to swerve into the left lane, but it caught us in the back-passenger’s side of the car, and slammed us into the cement divider. It came to rest perpendicular to the traffic, blocking all three lanes. We had rolled up about 100 yards and came to a stop.
Coleen and Kelly were both hurt and upset, in tears, and I was in a bit of shock. I didn’t know what to do. I could see the traffic stopped behind us, and heavy traffic coming in the opposite direction. I was dazed and confused. Then, a couple of nurses showed up. One was white and the other black. They had name tags from Henry Ford Hospital which was nearby. They took control, attended to Coleen and Kelly and calmed as all down.
A few minutes later the ambulance came, having to come from the opposite direction on the freeway.
Coleen and Kelly were loaded into the ambulance, and I rode in the front with the driver. He took us all to Henry Ford, where Coleen was admitted to the ER and Kelly to the pediatric ER.
I went back and forth between the two. Their injuries were minor, and they were soon discharged. After the adrenaline wore off and we began to think clearly, Coleen and I had the realization at the same time. Where did those nurses come from?
They could not have come from behind the stopped truck trailer, because we would have seen them coming. They could not have come from outside the expressway. At that point, the expressway was below grade level and surrounded by fences. They could not have come from the other side of the freeway, because the traffic was too heavy to cross it.
We both realized, at the same time, that we had been served by angels. God had us and sent ministering angels when we most needed them.
That’s just one of multiple such incidents.
At this point in my life, I have lived long enough with him to know, not believe, that He has me; that He truly is with me. That knowledge, in place of belief, is a special blessing for those of us who have been around a while.
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