Friday started off pretty normal. My plan was to spend a couple of hours getting my thoughts organized and writing. My bag was packed and I was headed to one of my favorite coffee shops to work. Then everything changed. Leaving my neighborhood, a Hummer turned directly into me. I saw it happening, but could do nothing to stop it other than brace for the impact I knew was coming. In just a few seconds everything changed. Thankfully no one was seriously injured! The entire experience got me thinking just how unexpectedly and quickly our lives can change. 

Short term my entire day was thrown out of whack, as well as my husband and daughters. Spending the better part of our day in the ER waiting on x-rays, waiting on nurses and doctors, talking to insurance agents and rental car agencies was not our plan! The good news however, is that nothing is broken. I walked away with a mild concussion and bruises in spots that make you wonder – how in the world did that happen. While it’s still fresh and I’m sure there will be more I learn through this unexpected event I wanted to go ahead and share a couple of things today.  First, life can change in an instant and often it’s completely out of our control. And secondly, the peace of God is a real and wonderful thing. 

If you’ve ever been in an accident you know how dazed and confused you are at the moment. It takes a beat for your mind to catch up with and process reality. A police officer was at my window immediately, before I even got out of the car. I couldn’t figure out how she got there so quickly. It wasn’t until she told me she was driving behind me and witnessed the entire accident that it made sense. As confused as I was the entire day, there was a calm reassuring voice in my head saying “You’re ok, I’ve got you”. I know that was the Holy Spirit flooding my soul with peace. My hands were shaking and my mind struggled to process pretty much everything, but through it all, there was an inner peace knowing I was safe in the hands of God no matter what. Philippians 4:7 says “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”. That is precisely the peace I felt and still feel. All the normal “why” and “what if” questions flood my mind, but in the end there is peace and comfort knowing God was and is with me and there is a purpose, even in the unexpected. 

Secondly, later in the day when I began looking at the pictures of my poor car I became extremely grateful! The hit took out the entire front end of the car. However, had it been even a couple of inches more towards the side, I would have been more seriously injured. Which is a vivid reminder that life can change in an instant! That idea leads me to a question – are you ready to meet Jesus? Do you know without a shadow of a doubt that if today was your last day on earth that you would spend eternity with Jesus? I can truthfully say I am positive! Not that I’m ready, there is a whole lot of life I still want to live here, but when my time comes, I know I’m spending eternity with my Savior! 

The apostle Paul wrote the book of Phillipians from prison and talks about this very thing. He doesn’t know what is going to happen to him. In his day, people were put to death for boldly speaking about Jesus, which was precisely why he was in jail. In Chapter 1 he says “For me to live is Christ, but to die is gain”. While his words may seem confusing what Paul is getting at is this – if he dies that’s a win because he gets to be with Jesus! But if he lives, that is also a win because he gets to keep sharing Jesus with others! Paul also shares a few verses earlier that his experience of being thrown into prison is actually a good thing because it has not only advanced the gospel of Jesus, but it’s also prompted boldness in other believers to share their faith. 

While a car accident is not anywhere near the same thing as being thrown into prison for preaching the gospel, it is an opportunity to share Jesus. So, let me ask again – do you know Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior? And if not, what’s stopping you? Time is fickle and 100% out of our control, and none of us are promised a tomorrow. Why not make today the day you invite Him into your heart and life? It’s really pretty easy, just pray something like this: “Jesus, I know You are who You say You are – my LORD and Savior. I know that I’m a sinner, in need of Your forgiveness and mercy. I give my life and heart to You.” That’s it! You don’t have to be perfect, say perfect words or prove yourself in any way. Just talk to Jesus and tell Him you need and want Him in your life.

 If you just earnestly prayed those words I want you to know two things. First, scripture tells us that all of heaven is rejoicing with you right now! And secondly, please tell someone you made this commitment! It doesn’t have to be me, but tell someone so that we can celebrate and walk with you as you get to know Jesus better!