by Rick Kirk
23 March 2008
My wife’s car suffered a broken windscreen last Wednesday on her way home from work. It happened on the main road leading out of Kota Kemuning to the Kesas Highway heading towards Klang. Like a knight in shining armour, I was by Connie’s side within minutes to assess the damage.
It was quite late in the day. We were not able to get assistance from our friendly mechanic, who was already on his way home. Since help was only coming the next day, I had to drive it home so that repairs can be made the following day. Therefore, the shattered windscreen must be removed to enable a safe drive home. Newspapers were then laid in places where bits of glass may be falling. The air conditioner duct, air vents, dashboard and both seats in the front were covered with paper. Using one end of an umbrella, I proceeded to knock at the screen. Slowly, Connie and I managed to remove as much of the glass bits as we could.
As I got into the car, (she drove my car home), Connie suggested that I put on her sunglass that looks like the one worn by Sophia Loren. I did not protest as I wanted to be sure that my eyes were sufficiently protected. I must have looked cool as I got some curious looks while driving home.
As I was cruising along, I was aware of vehicles coming from behind, from the left and right. This is a highway and one can expect fast vehicles. So I was constantly checking the speedometer. When I went too fast, little specks of glass started to fly toward me. Too slow, and I was wondering how long it would take to reach home. Heavy vehicles that passed by had dust spewing from the wheels. I got dust in my mouth when I was caught by surprise by the first truck that passed me. After that, I drove with one hand covering my nose and mouth each time a heavy vehicle was about to pass by. Soon I got used to the condition and was even beginning to enjoy the ride without a windscreen. The wind was blowing in my hair.
Then I noticed that the sky had started to gather storm clouds. It was getting darker by the minute. Uh-oh! What now? I couldn’t drive too fast for fear of the debris flying loose and hitting me. I said a word of prayer to ask if God could just hold the rain till I reach home. Instead the first drop of rain hit me. I prayed again – “Please a little while more.” There was another drop or two. Then it stopped. I was relieved but I must hurry.
I drove as fast as I could until I reached the outskirts of Port Klang. I went under the flyover which leads from West Port to North Port when the sky opened up. It seemed like the days of Noah.
I had stopped at the traffic lights under the viaduct and contemplated my next option before the lights turned green. If I continue my journey I would be totally drenched and there would be a huge pool of water in the car. As I pondered what to do, I looked ahead and I realised that the bridge stretches across the road right through the town. The traffic flow was also not heavy on this road in the direction I was headed. I drove on further and stopped between two rows of tall buildings separated by the viaduct. Hopefully, the winds would be cut off by these buildings, and the rain would not have sufficient velocity to spray all over me and the car. I was right. I was sheltered from the wind and rain.
I parked the car to one side of the road. With the hazard lights switched on, I got out of the car. I walked about twenty feet behind the car and started to wave to on-coming vehicles to warn them to move to away from the parked car.
Thankfully, the rain stopped 15 minutes later. I was rather surprised that it stopped so quickly, but I wasn’t complaining. I drove home happily after that, thanking God all the way home. And I was completely dry.
Upon reflection, it dawned on me two aspects of life – that we can always pray and that we should always count on Him to provide.
It may not necessarily be the miraculous act of God stopping the rain just when it did, but I know that we can ask. Matt 7:7 “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you” comes to mind immediately. We ask – for direction, help and guidance and in times of need. We are to “pray without ceasing” 1 Thess 5:17. I was anxious at one point during the drive home and I had to remind myself on what was written in Phil 4:6 – Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.
The rain had fallen like cats and dogs that evening and I must look for shelter. And the shelter came in the form I had not expected – the overhanging flyover. Right under the massive structure, I felt that I was protected from the storm. The viaduct reminded me of a fortress that is mentioned in Ps 18:2 “The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold”. Standing right under the viaduct I noted the size of it. It seemed like it was there to provide protection and at that time, shelter.
When we consider our ways, who or what do we turn to when we need reassurance, comfort, help or direction in life? All too often, it is the easy way out one chooses instead of standing still, and see the wonders of God as Moses was encouraged to do (Ex 14:13-14 And Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever. The LORD will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.”) In front of the Red Sea with the pursuing Egyptians, it is certainly not easy to be still. More than that, the children of Israel was told to move forward into the sea (before it was opened). The second command will be a tough one but then we must walk by faith, not by sight (2 Cor 5:7). For we will be overwhelmed whenever we walk by sight.
God will always provide for His children and all who will come to Him. In Matt 11:28-30 – Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”, we are assured that we can look towards our Heavenly Father who will take care of us, as we constantly rely on Him in our daily walk in this world.