No Expiration Date

By Janet Perez Eckles

"But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble." (Psalm 59:16).

"Sure, Mom, but I'm a little low on gas," Jeff, my college-age son said when I asked for a ride.

Since the time each of my three sons received their driver's license, driving their blind Mom was part of the process. And to their joy, I never comment about their driving skills. I don't correct them, nor make any criticism. And perhaps for that reason, they're always willing to provide transportation.

I held Jeff's arm as we made our way to the driveway. He opened the car door. "Let me help you, Mom."

As he slammed the squeaky door, he warned, "Keep your feet back, Mom. There are wires hanging from the dashboard."

"Yikes!"

I settled in my seat and with one hand, I lifted the roof lining that rested on the top of my head.

"Sorry Mom, I need to glue that back up."

A loud pop startled me. "What was that?"

"Just a loose wire in the radio -- got to slam it to make it work."

Jeff's car, with each turn of its bald tires, begs to be laid to rest at the nearest salvage yard. But Jeff's appearance? Gracious, what a contrast! Neatly shaven, clean haircut and dressed with stylish designer clothes.

The condition of Jeff's car and his personal grooming mirrors my life. I encountered devastating malfunctions while moving down the road of life. Adversity had rusted my soul, dented my confidence, and scratched at my sense of purpose. Worn out, I was a candidate for the emotional junk yard.

But when it all threatened to crumble, like Jeff's appearance, I kept one area of my life well guarded and cared for—my faith in Christ. And with each trial I encountered, my well polished trust in Him saved me from despair and defeat.

When I lost my sight, fear of living in darkness nearly devastated me, but God promised "to be a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path." (Psalm 119:105)

My husband's sudden unemployment threatened to drown us in financial ruin. But God's reminder lifted me to safety: "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you" (Isaiah 43:2)

And when the flames of sorrow scorched my heart after losing Jeff's 19-year-old brother to a senseless murder, God refreshed my soul: "When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze." (Isaiah 43:2)

Whenever painful circumstances threaten to drive me toward the emotional salvage yard, my faith and trust in God's Word crafts an overhaul of my soul. It includes a warranty offered by God, the master mechanic--coverage for any future malfunctions in life. In large print, the guarantee reads: NO EXPIRATION - PAID IN FULL BY MY SON, JESUS.

Father, thank You for renewing my soul with the clarity of your promises and the comfort of Your Word. May I be a vehicle to carry an example of your restoring power that turns the darkness of sorrow to the glow of your grace.