“Give your worries to the LORD; He’ll never let you down." -- Psalm 55:22
Nikki was thrilled – a few days set aside to spend with her aging father. Today they’d venture into the Utah desert. They were making progress toward a fossil quarry along a dirt road barely recognizable due to the sand drifts, when they hit a rock that punctured their oil pan. Sans fluid, the car came to an unexpected stop. Unimaginable - they weren't prepared for the harsh conditions they were about to experience.
After a bone-chilling night hoping someone would happen by, Nikki had no choice but to hike back in the direction they came from. After 27 miles and suffering from the early stages of dehydration, she arrived at the main highway.
Having failed as a hitchhiker, Nikki laid down to rest between the white line and the brush on the side of the road. She closed her eyes and tried to rest, but her mind raced. All week, the Lord had been speaking to her about casting burdens or cares upon Him - now here was that theme again! It was time to hand over all her worries to Him. If she’d messed up, He was big enough to handle it! Nikki didn't need to carry the load. Sweeet!
Her vision began to fade: she no longer could hear anything. Her body’s ability to cool itself stopped working; she was quickly losing consciousness. Permanent disability or death would follow if she didn’t get emergency treatment soon.
Suddenly brilliant white lights emerged, followed by peaceful euphoria. No doubt - she was now in the presence of her Lord and never wanted to leave. Had she crossed over?
Then came voices; her vision slowly returned. The intense lights were from a hospital exam room. Nikki had no idea how much time elapsed, but she had survived somehow.
Later she would learn that a woman named Maura had come across her father, almost unconscious in the car. He caught a lift with Maura and they found Nikki’s lifeless body on the side of the road. A body on the roadbed works better than a thumb!
Maura drove them both to the nearest hospital – she’d finished the job Nikki couldn’t.
We’ve all faced seemingly unbearable challenges. Isn’t it wiser to put our trust in God? He never fails us and nothing is impossible with Him. As He blesses you today, remember to offer Him sacrifices of praise and thanksgiving with a joyful heart.
Almighty God, we weren't meant to carry our burdens, we were meant to cast them. We know You care perfectly for each one of us. Teach me to humble myself - admit my inability - and cast every worry, trouble, and care upon You. Amen
