if you were about to die, would you have peace?

Listen here:  https://www.pastorwoman.net/podcast/episode/2bbcb9ee/if-you-were-ab...

Merry Christmas, Friends!

Today marks the four-year anniversary of a very strange life event. Formative in my life and faith, it also fits with our discussion of Advent peace.

It was about 5.15 in the afternoon on Wednesday, December 9, 2020, as I pulled into my Southern California garage. Gathering my belongings, I got out of my SUV, but the car started moving, actually rolling backward... what in the world was happening??

Somehow the car had slipped into Reverse, so it was not just rolling, it was in gear with the driver's door open. Within nano seconds, the open door jammed against the garage doorframe--and I was caught between the door and car, unable to get free. Because it was in gear, the powerful transmission kept working to free itself, and eventually did, breaking the door hinges and buckling the left front quarter panel. Suddenly the car lurched, knocked me down, pulled me down the driveway and ran over me.

Yes, it happened quickly, but I relived over and over. The vehicle ran over my right buttock, lower middle back, left foot, leg and arm, not stopping until it 'totaled' the small car at the curb across the street. 

As I was being pulled down the driveway, I had enough time to think

"I'm about to get run over - I might die - Okay, Lord." Bam.

I knew God had me--even if I was to see him face-to-face right then. 

Though my body involuntarily went into shock and I was shaking from head to toe, I was breathing out 'thank you, Lord; O God, thank you'.

In yesterday's briefing, I wrote "Our loving God offers his children a peace that surpasses all understanding! His peace makes it possible to be in a very difficult situation and still know peace." [https://conta.cc/4g2S5Nn] I wrote that remembering my cheek on the driveway that day. Please hear me-- I was at peace because I have made peace with God.

I know who I am and whose I am. I know that God has me in the palm of his hand and he will never leave me. I believe that because over the course of my life, I have found Him faithful, and the truths of scripture reliable. Therefore, I confidently know where I will spend eternity.

In this second week of Advent with peace in mind, I am wondering about you--

->do you know God has you in his hand?

->do you fully trust him - with all of who you are?

->are you at peace?

->and if you were suddenly face to face with your mortality, would you have peace?

There is nothing in all of the world like the peace of God.

So what happened on that fateful afternoon? Within minutes, various emergency vehicles were on scene, and I was transported to the nearby hospital trauma department. It was Covid time, so I had to be alone, and I just couldn't stop shaking! But unbelievably, I did not have a single broken bone. My left arm was lacerated from wrist to elbow, my lower back badly injured, but I was alive! How is that possible when the car sprung from the garage doorframe, knocking me down, dragging me to the sidewalk?

O I think of a line David wrote while running for his life:

'He will cover you with his feathers and under his wings, you

will find refuge.'1 The next line: 'his faithfulness will 

be your shield and your rampart.' Translation? your protection.

Though I was violently knocked to the ground, my head never hit the pavement. It defies any rational explanation. But then, who gets run over and talks about what is rational? Not me, that's for sure. 

Getting run over has earned me the right to press in and ask you again:

->do you know God has you in his hand?

->do you fully trust him - with all of who you are?

->are you at peace? There is nothing in all of the world like the peace of God.

And honestly, there is no reason that should keep you from walking in the truth of these three things--that God has you, that he can be trusted with all of who you are, and he alone is the source of peace. 

So allow me to say a prayer for us- 

Prayer: Lord . . .God, Maker of Heaven and Earth: While we know in our minds that nothing is impossible with you, we do not often live it out with our wills.  May we trust you and give all of ourselves over to who you are, surrendering control, placing our hand in your hand, and walking in your provision for us. 

O God, I pray for my friends who are hurting right now--for those who are grieving this Christmas, may they look to you and find comfort and peace.

For those who need your healing touch, I boldly ask you to extend your hand of healing.

For those who feel far from you, may they reach out for you, and may you be found by them. 

In your perfect, powerful name "Jesus",

Amen.

Paul expressed my hope for you so well: And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.2

Christine

PastorWoman.net

Song: All is Well, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-hVPcOs5ka0

Carrie Underwood and Michael W. Smith. Also at end of podcast

Christine

Advent, week two: peace

1 - Psalm 91.4

2 - Colossians 3.15