Issue 967 – The Snowstorm – January 26, 2023
Yesterday afternoon, Kris and Amanda flew out on their holidays. That meant a trip to Toronto’s Pearson International Airport and back to Oshawa. It was snowing heavily, and I quickly saw that while most drivers were doing okay, there were plenty of crazies out there.
Many people hadn’t bothered to brush the six inches of snow off their vehicles, only clearing the part of their windshield the wipers could reach. Others were driving 50 km below the posted speed in the fast lane but had their hazard flashers on. I guess they thought the flashers made them less of a hazard. Some weaved in and out at high rates of speed. People cut off semi-trailers on icy roads, a sure recipe for disaster if they had to brake.
There was evidence of a few bumper thumpers and some people in the ditch. Given the road conditions and the number of horrible drivers, I was surprised by how few.
I could see the snowplows clearing the lanes for my return trip. I am confident I saw more plows on that one stretch of the highway last night than the entire Fraser Valley combined owns.
Kris drove out, and I moved to the driver’s seat as they unloaded. On the way home, I decided that I would exit on one of the off-ramps, fill with gas and grab a coffee. Darkness was falling fast, and the rate of snow was increasing.
The service station was closed, and as I continued to look, traffic conditions pushed me into an industrial area backed up with traffic. I passed another station but couldn’t get to it from my lane. Traffic was worsening, so I decided to give up on my quest and just head home.
Using the GPS, I meandered around back roads and secondary highways without my coffee or gas. There was enough to make the trip, but I dislike winter driving without a full tank in case of emergencies or delays.
It was now fully dark, and although the plows had been out, there was plenty of fresh wet snow on the ground. The roads were in passable winter condition, not great but far from ideal.
With the darkness, my tiredness and being unfamiliar with the route, the trip seemed to stretch on. I began to second-guess myself. Did I miss my exit? Which side of Oshawa is Pickering on? Exeter? I don’t remember passing a ramp for Exeter when we drove out. I was beginning to doubt the GPS.
Despite my doubts, I continued to follow the route laid out for me. I made it home safe and sound.
Sometimes our faith walk can be like my trip back. We begin to doubt the path that God has us on. Did the Bible really say that? Will God forgive me again? Can I trust Him to keep His promises? What if Christ isn’t the real answer?
Like gathering storm clouds, the doubts grow and assail us. The doubt and uncertainty feed on themselves, even without help from the enemy.
My GPS was reliable (although they aren’t always), but the Word of God is more than reliable. It is absolutely trustworthy.
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Still, we might have doubts. These are the times when the transparency of our walk is vital. If we are honest with each other about our joys, victories, sorrows and struggles, other believers can see they are not alone and draw on our experiences.
Knowing that we are not the only person in the congregation who doesn’t have it all together can make a huge difference. There is strength in seeing the way God has kept His promises and carried others like us through to victory.
Whether it is doubt or some secret sin, you are not alone in the struggles. Others have battled through with the help of God and been victorious.
Hold fast, my friend, hold fast.
Be Blessed
Hallelu Yah / Praise God
Kevin
Gleanings From The Word
Experience an extraordinary God in ordinary life.
Soli Deo Gloria (For the glory of God alone)
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Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture is from the English Standard Version (ESV).
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