Driving Behind the Storm--a testimony

A re-post/publish from July 2007

I was in Fargo and Grand Forks, North Dakota on a business trip this week. On my way home Wednesday night I learned of some storms baring down on the Twin Cities.

First, let me take you back to Wednesday morning.

I had stayed in Fargo overnight and was meeting my client in Grand Forks at 9 am. I got on the road at 8 am for my one hour and 15 minute trip. Eek! Then, while driving somewhere between 85 to 90 mph in a 75, the Lord began to convict me about speeding. Of course, I argued with Him.

Skipping the ugly details of how and why a rebellious little runt argues with her heavenly Father, I agreed to go only five miles over the speed limit (which in my justification is within legal limits. Ugh, I need work). I set my cruise for 80 (so I wouldn't be tempted further) and rested in the knowledge that God would bless my obedience. He even ministered to me that He is the author of all and He was able to bring about perfect timing. I arrived at 9 am.

I enjoyed this am encounter and blessing for the bulk of the day as I knew in my heart that God was working to remind me to come back to His schedule and timing and trust Him -- always and in all things. Be still and know He is God.

Later, I was leaving Northwood, ND at 4:45 pm, headed for home. I was, however, a little upset because I had hoped to get out of there by 3:30 pm -- at the latest -- to arrive in Minneapolis with a little time to gether myself before bedtime and back to the office the next day.

While driving out of no-where-land Northwood, ND (beautiful farmland) I again heard that soft gentlevoice from within, telling me to rest in Him and believe that He has a plan and a purpose in the delay. I struggled in my flesh for another minute or two (I know, I know, I already said I need work!) and then chose to rest, the peace came, I set the cruise control for five miles over the speed limit and navigated my way out of God's country.

Before I knew it, I was already in Fargo -- only 3.5 hours from home! Hallehlujah!!! There was a lot of construction and I was on the phone with my friend as a waved goobye to the famous little border city. All seemed right with the world. Until ... yikes! Where am I?! I suddenly found myself snapping out of auto pilot in the midst of unfamiliar territory. Ugh! I missed the 94 Exit! Some XX miles back in Fargo! Oh for pete's!

I turned around. A careful odometer reading revealed that I'd traveled eight miles out of the city before I came out of my little place of traveling bliss and into that unfamiliar patch of road that exposed my inattention. Dang it! 16 miles out of the way! Surely I wouldn't get home now till like ... November!!!

Eight miles back to Fargo. An uneasy transfer to Interstate 94 East! East! And I was back on course. More delay. Drat. Boogers and poop! This is too much! But then ... once again, that sweet, kind, patient nudge (the Lord of course!) ... this delay too is not without purpose.

About four more miles out of Fargo -- 256 miles from Minneapolis -- I got over myself and my idiodic error, and rested again in the comfort of knowing that the Lord has me covered -- always and in all things.

Another hour goes by. To pass the time I licked the cheesy powder off several Lays stackers chedder "potato chips" and tossed the chip out the window not wanting to consume ALL the calories as I sat on my butt for another half-day of travel. Then I began to call other friends to make some human contact and find loving reminder that I was not really alone on the planet.

I called my friend Laura, but she wasn't home. Her sister/roommate was however. She informed me of Laura's evening itinerary and that the cities were experiencing some severe weather. I suddenly realized that for some time now I had been seeing a lot of lightening ahead. Hmm.

Lightening flashed all around, from cloud to cloud, from cloud to ground -- a spectular display that seemed to be announcing my return home. All the while it was far in front of me. I heard nothing of the weather on any radio station. I knew nothing of severe anything. Just a pretty, sufficiently distant display of nature.

I gently pressed the peddle of my rented Chevy Malibou and creeped through an underwater North Minneapolis at 10:15 pm as I gazed at the downed branches and debris left behind by an evening barage of atmospheric upheaval. For a moment I thought; dear Lord! my basement could be a 2,000 gallon fish tank by now! -- I pulled onto my concrete parking slab, turned off the car, gathered by belongings and waided through my swimming sod. I unlocked the back door to my home, entered, set my things down ... I was home. And then ... I heard the first drop of rain I had seen or heard all evening.

My basement -- dry as a desert.

Devine timing. Supernatural protection. And no harm to my tent. He is such a good God.

Thank you Lord. You deserve much glory and all our praise!!!


I pray that you and your families are all well and safe.


For those of you that don't know, the Twin Cities got whooped Wednesday eve -- including two tornados in major suburban areas.