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Daily Devotions for the Advent and Christmas Seasons

Monday, December 28

Isaiah 49:13-23

by Winchell Quock

“Sing for joy, for the Lord has comforted his people.”

Late one autumn afternoon, we left Washington, DC, in a rented car for a two-hour drive to Williamsburg, Virginia. The two southbound lanes of the interstate highway were lined with tall trees on both sides, and the only line painted on the road was a dotted white stripe between the lanes. A half hour from our destination, the skies at the horizon darkened ominously. Then suddenly darkness enveloped us, and torrential rain poured down from the heavens accompanied by lightning and thunder. Even with the windshield wipers going full blast, the road ahead was barely visible.

Quickly I considered my options. I was tempted to follow the faint red tail-lights of the car ahead of me, but if it went off the highway, would I then follow? Like lemmings falling off a cliff into the sea? I wanted to pull off the road entirely to wait out the downpour, but with no painted lines or guard­rails on either side of the road, I couldn’t see enough to steer safely.

So I slowed to 20 miles per hour and hoped no one would crash into me from behind. Trying to remain calm, I anxiously drove on in the blinding rain and the dark, peering ahead, following that one white stripe. I clung to the steering wheel with white knuckles and prayed for safety for what seemed like forever until finally an exit sign appeared to show the way to our destination.

We arrived at our hotel—thank God!—and ended the day with a delicious dinner as the rain continued pounding on the restaurant roof.

Within the space of a few hours we had witnessed the power of Mother Nature, suffered feelings of fear and helplessness, and been comforted by God’s grace and mercy. We placed a great deal of trust in God and in that white line to lead us to safety.

Jeanne was glad it was me who was driving that night.

Prayer

O, Lord, you guide us on our faith journey. You comfort us with your love. And you surprise us with the experiences you give us. We put our trust in you and thank you for your presence in our lives. Amen