Dodged Bullet

 by Macy Johnson

“Blessed are those whose strength is in you,

who have set their hearts on pilgrimage.”

(Psalm 84:5 NIV)

 

I hurried downstairs, grabbed my music bag and purse, and reached for my water tumbler. Once in the car, I placed my foot on the brake and pushed the Start button. Silence. Change in plans. I drove Jeff’s truck to choir practice.

 

To dodge a bullet (according to Wiktionary) is to avoid injury, disaster, or some other undesirable situation.

 

The next day my car’s dead battery was traded for a new one. Installed it triggered a 4^th of July fireworks display! All lights flashed and alarms sounded, but the car still wouldn’t start. We were dumbfounded.

 

I called our mechanic. After a few questions, he determined my car needed a new starter. A tow truck would be at our house within the hour.

 

Not satisfied with the diagnosis, Jeff googled “Highlander won’t start after battery change” and received a slew of suggestions:

-      Open and close any door

-      Hold the key fob in one hand

-      Mash the Start button several times quickly with the other hand

-      Close one eye

-      Hang head out the driver-side window and whistle “Dixie”

all at the same time, and the car should magically start!

 

Miraculously, the car started! Jeff doesn’t remember the specific sequence he followed, but we avoided the high cost of a tow and a new starter. Our heavenly Father had mercifully delivered us from the bullet that would have pierced our finances and our faith.

 

Joyce Meyer wrote, “When our strength is in God, even the difficult places in life can be turned into blessings.” God knows our needs long before we do.

 

I will trust my heavenly Father to help me calmly dodge every bullet that comes my way. I hope you will, too!