On weekends, I love to preach the Gospel whenever and wherever I can. During the week however, I drive a big-rig; racking up about 2000 miles weekly.
I have lots of time to think and pray as I drive along. Occasionally the Lord tests my patience and internal motives while driving, and He does it in the most creative way.
Recently while driving along a very twisty road, an old beat up Ford Explorer pulled out in front of me then went really, really slow!
I saw that the back bumper of his Ford was barely hanging on, and the left taillight was broken too. As I moved closer to him, he put on his right turn signal; I braked sharply, thinking he was going to turn.
As I backed off, he turned his right signal off. I quickly realized that he had no brake lights and was using the turn signal instead. It seemed as though he was turning the right turn signal on every time he slowed down.
As this behavior continued for the next few miles, I found myself becoming indignant about this driver. I thought how foolish it was to drive like this and how dangerous; it was an accident waiting to happen!
After about 4 miles of this driving this way, and judging this man’s actions, I looked down at my dashboard to do a quick check on my speed and gauges. I noticed that my right turn signal was blinking; probably since my last turn, nearly 6 miles ago!
It dawned on me that the man was trying to send ME a signal that I left my right turn signal was still flashing! I felt like a real dummy! Here I was, judging the man ; all the while, he was only trying to help me!
As I continued to drive along, I wondered how many times I misjudged someone based on appearances, preferences, or some other external influence; I cannot count how many times I have done that!
I am reminded of an Old Testament Scripture let me share it with you.
1 Samuel 16:7 (NASB)
But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (Italics mine)
That verse reminds me to stop judging by outward appearances; the results of which produce faulty thinking; God does not do it, so why should I?
Lesson learned!