Is There Always a Lesson to Learn?

“When the sun rose, God provided a scorching east wind, and the sun blazed on Jonah's head so that he grew faint. He wanted to die, and said, "It would be better for me to die than to live." Jonah 4:8

Recently, I had the opportunity to have lunch with one of my brothers. He was traveling on business and would be an hour south of my home so I traveled there to meet up with him.

As I turned into the parking garage, near our lunch destination, my vehicle steering became difficult followed by an unfamiliar noise that I assumed was from driving on the parking garage floor. The noise was too unsettling so I pulled over and got out of my vehicle.  Never did I imagine this sight…I had 2 flat tires! As I surveyed the damage, a text arrived from my brother asking if I was in the neighborhood yet.

What do we do and how do we react to the unexpected events in our lives?  We learn about Saul of Tarsus in Acts 9. Saul was going about his business when God physically blinded him. Days later, when scales fell from his eyes and his physical sight had returned; Saul was different. The Lord had opened up the eyes of his heart.  He was a new creation in Jesus Christ. He now had spiritual eyesight.

You might wonder, ‘what has this to do with a flat tire?’ While I was walking over to the restaurant, pondering my unique situation, I asked God the same question. ‘Lord, what’s this all about?  Lately, You’ve been opening the eyes of my heart to many personal situations, is this why You’re providing me 2 flat tires?'

‘…the LORD God provided a vine and made it grow up over Jonah to give shade for his head to ease his discomfort…’ then ‘the next day God provided a worm, which chewed the vine so that it withered. When the sun rose, God provided a scorching east wind, and the sun blazed on Jonah's head so that he grew faint.’ (4:6-8)

When we are saved by the blood of Christ Jesus, we are made into a new creation, the old passes away. We no longer think or act the same.  Do we take God’s grace for ourselves and not extend it to others? No, God faithfully supplies our needs even in the midst of unexpected events. 

Have you had some unexpected events in your life? How did you handle it? Would you have done anything differently? Talk to God right now and tell Him. He's ready to listen.

My brother had business calls to make after our lunch and since my van was unavailable to drive, I tagged along.  We enjoyed a time of laughing and reminiscing about our parents; siblings sharing time with one another.  

Did God provide a hunk of metal for me to run over in the entrance to the parking garage for this purpose only? Possibly; possibly not. There’s not always a lesson to learn. Trouble happens while we live our daily lives. It’s how we react to our trouble, that counts.

We all make choices.  That day, I made a choice to enjoy the additional time with my brother and to trust God with the circumstances; to not lean on my own understandings but to acknowledge Him; the One who loves me and always wants to delight me with His love.

Later, my husband came to my rescue. As we emerged, $300 lighter, from a local Tire Shop, and as we were discussing our finances for the trip home, I glanced down at my feet to find $8 staring back up at me. He needed $4 for tolls and I needed $3 to get my car out of the parking garage. ‘We’re rich’ I laughed, ‘with a dollar to spare!’ 

Let’s pray. Father, You give and You take away. How precious are the gifts You give to us. All good and perfect gifts come down from the Father of Heavenly Lights. Even when we don’t know we need Your protection, thank you for always protecting us from harm.  Show us how to keep our eyes on You. Show us how to be thankful in the midst of our trials. In Christ’s strong name we pray, Amen.

Post script: Once back home and 48 hours later, my husband and I caught a movie matinee – we came out of the movie to find yet another flat tire! Our new tire must have had a bad spot. Praise God we purchased the new tire from a franchise that has a location in our home town. Tomorrow it gets fixed. God? Are you trying to tell me something?