07/22/2026
Delayed by Divine Design: A Sunday Lesson in Gratitude and Prayer
This past Sunday, while driving home from church, my husband and I pulled up to a red light and waited patiently. Seconds after our light turned green, a massive vehicle came barreling straight through the intersection, completely ignoring their own light which had been red for several seconds.
My husband was furious. This person put our lives in immediate danger. If we had accelerated the moment the light changed, that car would have slammed into my side of the car at an excessive speed. His anger was completely understandable, yet I found myself filled with deep gratitude instead of rage.
If you know my husband, you know he isn't exactly famous for his patience behind the wheel. We usually don't even wait the recommended two seconds once the light turns to green before continuing on our way. Yet, on this particular afternoon, he hesitated. He didn't just pause for a brief moment; he waited much longer than necessary.
If we had only waited those standard two seconds, we would have been directly in the intersection when that car shot through like a speeding bullet. I am so grateful that, even if he didn't realize it at the moment, he was prompted by the Holy Spirit to wait, and he listened.
However, another emotion crept in, and it wasn't nearly as pleasant as gratitude. I was left with a heavy sense of fear. It wasn't fear for ourselves, but for everyone else on the road who might not have the kind of relationship with the Holy Spirit where they listen when told to wait. I felt fear for the innocent people this driver was endangering with their reckless behavior, and worst of all, fear that it might take a catastrophic event for them to finally change their driving habits.
So, I began to pray. I prayed that other drivers would stay safe, that this person would slow down, and that they had a valid, urgent reason for driving that way. Whether it was a family emergency, failing brakes, or just an desperate rush to find a restroom, my perspective shifted.
Instead of focusing on how their actions affected my husband and me, I found myself deeply concerned for the safety of others.
Because I know exactly who protects us, I could move past my own shock and focus my thoughts on those who still need that same divine guidance on the road.
Can you remember a time when a call from Holy Spirit saved your life? Share your stories below.