Anne’s driver, here, Skip, contributing to our blog.
In our current Community Bible Study of Job we are refreshing and gaining new understanding over the influence of God’s protection versus satan’s freedom to wreck havoc in the world. We got a taste of this on our drive east of the Finger Lakes Region of New York State as we pulled into a wide, open parking area adjacent to a grocery store. The entrance off the busy street was rather narrow for our one ton truck and 34’ rig to pass.
As we left the parking lot I approached the exit just as a belly dump gravel truck, moving at a precarious rate of speed, turned into the narrow entrance coming head-on to us. There wasn’t room for both of us to pass each other at the exit so I hit the brakes. What triggered my instinct to slam ‘er into reverse is cause to pause. You see, backing up this fifth wheel rig is a driving skill that is still in development.
I kept backing up as I was judging the distance and the trajectory between us and the gravel truck. The driver of the truck was clutching his wheel, cranking it hard to the right to avoid us and the look on his face suggested he was in trouble; so were we. I stopped backing up as the driver side corner of the gravel truck missed the driver side corner of our truck by a coat of paint or two. We were spared.
As I reflect on this blur of a moment, all I can surmise is that the brakes must have gone out on the truck. There is no explanation for the rate of speed in which he was traveling to make such a dangerous turn off the road into the parking area. Quite possibly there were cars backed up on the street at the stop light in front of him. The intensity of the look on the driver’s face was telling. Also requiring explanation is what prevented that belly dump trailer from tipping over and landing on top of our truck. The speed of travel and hard degree of turn might have predicted such a disaster.
I know this cover of protection experienced in that moment. It has watched over me all the days of my life. By far this time topped them all. Satan missed.
Please continue your prayers for our travel mercies.
Yes, brother, we know that hand of protection. One winter Dale and I were driving at night in a winter snow storm, rounding a slippery curve. It was like in slow motion. Another car rounded the curve, heading straight for us. All we could see were the head lights coming head on, passing in front of us, and then off the road to our right. The only thing my driver, (Dale), could do was take his foot off the gas (and pray).
Jesus tells us that He is with us ALWAYS. We have no idea of what He has spared us from. He is teaching us to listen (and obey) His Voice. We need these reminders to be able to have a closer walk with Him.
We are entrusting your care into the hands of our Heavenly Father, Jesus our brother, and His Spirit, our helper, friend and counselor.
Rejoice in His love! Go with God!
I am so glad you’re safe!
Thanks, Barbara. Today is a day of rest and relaxation, which is appreciated after this frightening near miss!
So grateful the hand of God was protecting you and the other hapless driver. Be gentle with yourself as you recover your sense of joy and accomplishment driving your rig. Just as God has shown Himself in the wonderful people, animals and places you have visited, so too was He with you on the near miss. My prayers go with you.
Thank you, Karen!
Love your other comments! And so glad you are fine.
Praise the Lord you both are ok and safe. What a harrowing experience you had. Continued prayers for you as you continue on your journey with safe travels and God’s protection.
Thank you for your prayers, Nancy and Craig!
Reading Skip’s description made me gasp and I’m sure if I’d been in Anne’s seat I wouldn’t have been able to stop a scream. Praise God for keeping you safe!!!
Amen to that!
That had to have been scary and pumped the adrenaline up to the heavens. So glad you are both safe!
Yes, our hearts were beating a wee bit faster!