Toni was headed home from Oklahoma. Having recently moved to Fort Worth, she knew her way from one point to the next, but that was about all. She did know to avoid the infamous North Loop at rush hour if at all possible. However, skirting the bumper to bumper scene was not possible this time.

    Her commonplace prayer asked the great God of the universe to watch over her comparatively tiny trek south. Such an appeal seemed appropriate, given her 150 mile trip, alone in a car that had long ago seen its warranty expire.

    How do these prayers go? “Help me as I drive.” “Watch over me Lord!” “Keep me safe O God.” “Bless my car!”

    The Psalmist put a similar thought this way, in the form of a promise. “The LORD will keep you from all harm — he will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore” (Psalm 121:7-8).

    We don’t seem to enjoy a respite from coming and going! North then south, east then west. It was no different for Toni as she neared home, joining a great river of cars fighting the road like salmon fighting their river of birth’s current.

    Moving from one lane to the next, she noticed the indicator light first, then the white-hot steam heaving out from beneath the hood. Almost home and she had broken down!

    What’s a newcomer to town to do? Who to call? Is the car on fire?! Where’s the LORD of Psalm 121?!

“...the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.”

    As Toni made it to the shoulder, two cars stopped to help. One fellow understands she’s taken care of and speeds off with a smile. The young man who stays behind introduces himself as Matt. He and his expecting wife are on the way to the last check-up before their first child is to be born. A fireman, Matt assures Toni she’s simply overheated. She won’t be on the news tonight with a burned-out car!

    Promising to come right back, he offers his cell phone so Toni feels less vulnerable. In disbelief that a stranger would help so willingly, Toni thankfully remembered her own prayer for protection. She mentions how someone from her church can come, that there’s no need for him to leave his phone. Though she was a new member there, surely someone could come help.

    That’s when her Samaritan asked, “Where do you go to church?”

    “Oh, it’s way over on the southwest side of town, the Altamesa Church of Christ,” she replied.

    Matt smiled at this surprise.

    Just as Toni asked, God had protected her. In the midst of her rush hour, He rushed to help her. He had given her more than a casual hero. Matt’s from way over on the southwest side of town, too. The LORD who keeps us from all harm had given her a good neighbor from her own neighborhood. As unlikely as it would seem to the uninitiated, The LORD even sent someone from Toni’s side of the sanctuary.

    Toni and Matt go to the same church. He’s a member at Altamesa too!

    In a twist only God could think of, Matt had missed the exit to the doctor. He was not even supposed to be there when Toni needed help.

    That’s how it is. On the crowded highways of our lives God indeed watches over our coming and going. He will do that, we’re told, both now and forever more.

    No coincidence. It’s just life on the freeway of prayer.

© 2001, Danny Sims. Used by permission.

Title: "Life on the Freeway of Prayer"
Author: Danny Sims
Publication Date: May 8, 2001

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