Sunday, June 15, 2008

God's Provision & Good Samaritans

“Lord, protect us as we travel and bring us to our destination safely.”

Before we begin a journey, whether short or long, Mom and I always pray. Last Friday was no exception. The day was picture perfect for traveling, the traffic moderate, and the mood upbeat.

Within five minutes of merging onto I-81, a loud pop announced the blow out of my rear, passenger-side tire. Hoping the sound we heard might be another car or truck backfiring, I pulled over to the shoulder. Mom opened the car door and peered at the tire. In a voice as flat as the tire, she reported our initial assessment was accurate.

Following a call to a motor club, Mom got out of the car and I climbed out via the passenger-side door. With tractor trailers and cars whizzing by, there was no way I would open the driver-side door. We then prayed and waited for help to arrive.

A car pulled over in front of us and stopped. A young couple and teenage girl approached and offered to change the tire. The man identified himself as an auto mechanic. The woman reassured me he often aided motorists in distress since no one had stopped to assist her in a similar situation.

A State Police Officer soon joined the group. His squad car alerted approaching traffic to the disabled vehicle. We cancelled the motor club request, and marveled as the young man changed the tire in a matter of minutes.

The Officer and auto mechanic agreed the tire was beyond repair, and the spare would not get us to our destination. The couple suggested I follow them to a dealer where I could purchase a replacement. At one point, we lost each other in traffic. I caught a glimpse of them as they turned a corner. Already beyond the intersection, I located a place to turn around. We saw them sitting in a parking lot waiting for us. Before we could get there, they left. I prayed, and we reconnected several blocks down the road. Relief flooded me as I parked the car in the shopping center lot.

The adventure wasn’t over yet. The tire dealer informed us there was a two-hour wait. The young auto mechanic, former Marine, and rescuer of damsels in distress grabbed a telephone book and found another dealer. A short telephone conversation with the service desk, and we headed over there. Our new friends, Jake, Beth, and Brittney, bid us farewell and entrusted us into the capable hands of Jeff, of Colonial Tire and Auto Center, in Harrisburg, PA.

As I paid for the tire, I noticed a Scripture verse written on a whiteboard: Philippians 4:19, “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” My heart almost burst with praise to the Lord for how he took such good care of us.

So, a big thank-you to Jake, Beth, Brittney, and Jeff for going above and beyond the call of duty to help two stranded travelers, and to the State Police Officer, who got both our cars safely back onto the highway. I don’t believe in coincidence. As one person I know is fond of saying, “Coincidences are God working anonymously.” I’m glad all of you were at the right place, at the right time. May the Lord bless you for being Good Samaritans.

6 comments:

Annie said...

Oh what a wonderful story of the Lord's faithfulness and provision. I'm so happy things worked out well for you!

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Annie -

One of the themes of my life, especially the last two years, has been the faithfulness of the Lord.

Have a blessed day.

Susan :)

Mike Dellosso said...

Susan, thanks for the comment on my blog and for putting me on your prayer list. Also, I noticed you got stranded outside Harrisbur. I live in Hanover, due south of Harrisburg. A fellow Pennsylvanian.

Mike

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Mike -

Thanks for commenting. I was delighted to hear of your book launch. I'll be on the lookout for "The Hunted" next time I go to the Christian bookstore.

Yup, I'm a Pennsylvanian, although a transplant from New England. My history here may be short, but I love the beauty of this area.

Hope you enjoyed your visit here. I'm fairly new to the blogosphere.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Anonymous said...

Hi Susan.

This is Beth, the one you met in Harrisburg when you got the flat tire.
We were honored that you mentioned us in your blog,and so very glad we were in the right spot at the right time, to help you when you needed help.
It felt good to be there to assist you while in your travels.
I was amazed that you knew exactly how to spell my daughters name even.
So glad to have met you.
And in honor of the Marines, this is where Jake, my wonderful boyfriend learned to be so helpful to those in need, he is a wonderful man, and is always there when someone needs him.
He came into our lives about 8 years ago, and he and I started dating 6 months ago, and he has changed so many aspects of our lives.
He is a proud ex Marine,and speaks of his days with them so honorably, it gives me chills just to hear how proudly he speaks of them.
He is truely one of the best men out there,and I am prous to be blessed with him in my life.
We both believe things happen for a reason,and we may not always know what that reason may be, but down the road it may all come to light.
Thank you again for mentioning us, and so honored to have met you and your mother.
Take care.
Safe journeys, and god bless you!
Jake, Beth, and Brittney!

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Beth -

I'm so glad you and Jake saw the post. Thanks for commenting.

You have my card. Please don't hesitate to contact me.

Our women's ministry at church started writing to marines in Iraq. We've been told that letters are like gold to the men and women over there. They are making great sacrifices to do a very tough job.

Mom and I appreciate both of you so much. Thank you again for helping us out.

Blessings,
Susan :)