Bump, Bruise, & Blessing

By Kathy Schultz
Staff Writer

CBN.com – "Time for school", I called to my granddaughter. It was time for her to catch the bus. We were both running behind schedule, and it was my job to hurry her along. She responded by running quickly to the car. She opened the car door with such force that it swung and hit her in the forehead. I stood right beside her, unable to help. All I could do was watch. She looked up at me with tears forming in her eyes saying, "Grandma" with a tone in her voice that meant, why did you let this happen? She was crying and trying to blame someone or something for what had just happened. Truthfully, it had been her fault. My intention was just to make her aware of the time, to hurry her along, to get her to stop dilly-dallying. Now she had a nasty BUMP and BRUISE on her forehead, and I felt awful.

God showed me there was a lesson to be learned here. God knows how often I rush ahead only to find myself in trouble. The trouble is my own doing. No one else is responsible. Often, I look around to find someone or something else to blame for my own foolishness. God must look down wanting to help, but it is too late. He often does not correct what has already happened. The laws of physics are in place and human error has occurred. When I rush ahead without praying for God's help, I find myself in hot water. This happens more than I want to admit.

But the LORD still waits for you to come to him so he can show you his love and compassion. For the LORD is a faithful God. Blessed are those who wait for him to help them (Isaiah 30:18 New Living Translation, The Book).

Thankfully, God does intervene in our lives and sends his angels to protect us.

For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways (Psalm 91:11 NIV).

I can't always protect my grandchild, but I can and do pray for God's protection. Her family's job is to keep her safe as possible. This means taking all the necessary precautions, giving godly advice, teaching her right from wrong, and ultimately leading her to Christ. God is the only one that can protect her and us in any situation.

"Because he loves me," says the LORD, "I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him" (Psalm 91: 14-15 NIV).

"He will shield you with his wings. He will shelter you with his feathers. His faithful promises are your armor and protection" (Psalm 91:4 New Living Translation, The Book).

The story of that morning did not end there. God did allow something good to come out of the mishap. Time had not permitted me to dress the wound. All I could manage was a little comfort and a quick prayer. I put her on the school bus with the bump and told the bus driver about the accident. That evening when I asked about her day, Alex replied with enthusiasm. The nurse at her school had taken care of her. She had iced the wound and comforted our little first grader. What a BLESSING! In times of need, God often uses others to help us as He had with Alex. He does that for me over and over again.

Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith (Galatians 6:9-10 NKJV).