READ: JOHN 16:5-16
All that the heavenly Father has is mine; this is what I mean when I say that the Spirit will reveal to you whatever he receives from me. (15)
Thank heaven for a quiet Sunday afternoon after I had worked the previous evening shift on Saturday. Suddenly the radio barked to life with the voice of a fellow officer requesting immediate assistance with a call for an active burglar alarm. Indicating to the dispatch center that I would be responding, I turned on my overhead lights and siren and headed for his location. My assistance would never be provided. As I approached an intersection a vehicle pulled directly into the path of my patrol car. I tugged on the steering wheel trying in vain to maneuver away from the car. But in an instant, the right front of my car slammed directly into her driver’s door. Dazed, I exited my car after requesting immediate help, and proceeded to render aid to the young female operator. She gave out a sigh and took her last breath in my arms.
Following my release from the hospital, I was taken to the police station to retrieve some items from my locker before going home. Alone in the locker room I cried for the young lady who had lost her life to a vehicle operated by one who was sworn to protect and serve the community, not take the lives of its innocent members. My wife did all she could to console me in my deepening grief, but to no avail. The next morning the newspaper had a front-page story on the accident. Once again, I was alone reading the account of how I had caused the death of this bright young woman and that my actions were under intense investigative review. A few days later, racked with guilt and at my lowest point since the accident, I walked alone down the hallway of the church I attended. I was looking for the Minister hoping he could help me restore my inner peace and a sense of tranquility.
Unannounced I stood silently in the doorway of his office for a few seconds and in a low voice spoke to gain his attention. Looking up, this faithful servant of God, who barely knew my name, immediately left his desk. He instantly embraced me and assured me that God loved me and would never abandon me. We talked and prayed. Hope replaced guilt with Jesus working through the Holy Spirit to bring peace to my tormented soul. Leaving the Pastor’s office at the conclusion of our time together, I realized that I would never be alone again as my faith had been rekindled by a simple hug, a few kind words, and the love of Christ as expressed through the work of the Holy Spirit.
PAUSE FOR REFLECTION AN PRAYER
While the investigation of the incident absolved me of responsibility for the crash, the pain of that March Day was only mitigated by the love and forgiveness of Jesus. When was the last time you felt alone and needed Jesus?
Jesus, I am forever grateful of your presence through the Holy Spirit to guide me on the lonely roads of life.