As a new baby Christian, on fire for Jesus, I wanted desperately to hear God's voice when He spoke to me. I constantly asked God to help me hear Him when He was speaking to and to obey His voice. Little by little, God showed me different ways that He would talk to me and guide me. Sometimes it was through His Word. Sometimes it was a thought that would go through my mind, but I knew it was God, speaking to me.

One morning in mid summer, I overslept and was running late for work. I had an hour's drive to work and I knew that I had to hurry, or I would be late. Even though I was running about 10 minutes behind, I was in a panic. The company was in the middle of a huge merger, joining a national corporation and the tension level in the office was running high. It was frowned upon to be even 1 minute late and I didn't want to have any bad marks against me. The rumors flying around the office were enough to have everyone walking on eggshells. Job security was uncertain, to say the least.

I silently prayed as I was getting ready, " God, please don't let me be late!" My eyes continually darted to the clock as I gathered my things and headed to the car. It was highly unlikely that I would make it on time, but I was going to try.

I sped off down the dirt road I lived on, driving faster than normal to the first mile intersection. As I approached the intersection, still quite a ways from it, I looked to the right, as far as I could see, and there were no cars coming. There never were. I couldn't tell from the left, however, because a line of trees blocked the view.

I decided I wouldn't stop for the intersection, since I had NEVER met any cars at that intersection, that time of morning, and very rarely, any other time.

As I drew closer to the intersection, not even slowing down, in my mind I heard a small voice say, " You should stop." I rationalized with the voice, thinking if I stop, I will be late. If I skip several stop signs, with caution, I might make it to work on time. After all, the cops don't patrol these back roads! BUT the voice came again, "You should stop." I can't stop.....I thought to myself, I have to hurry. I'm late! I was nearing the intersection, still driving fast, not slowing at all. Finally the voice said, " If you don't obey in the small things, then how will you obey in the greater things?" "Obey the stop sign."

I realized this was God speaking to me, and I understood that I should stop even if I was out in the country and no one would catch me. God would know that I had not stopped. And to him who knows to do right and does not, to him it is sin. ( Keep in mind that I was going about 55 MPH and this all took place within a matter of seconds.) I was so close to the intersection now that I had to slam on the brakes in order to get stopped. But I really wanted to be obedient to God, in all things. SO.....reluctantly, I hit the brakes.

Just As my car was sliding to a stop.....A SEMI roared through the intersection from the left! The trees had blocked the view of the oncoming semi. I was not even completely stopped yet, as I watched the semi roar through the intersection, leaving a cloud of dust behind. I sat in horror, my body trembling, as I realized that, had I not stopped, I would have been smashed by that semi. I sat there stunned, unable to move. I had driven those back roads many, many times and I had never encountered a semi. I looked to the left and scanned the intersection. It was a four way stop!!

I sat there in my car, for several minutes, Thanking God and Praising Him for saving my life! I could not believe what had just happened! Of course, God already knew that I would obey His voice but it was lesson for me that I would never forget! And I thanked Him for it!

By the way, I did make it to work on time that morning! Another miracle from God that day! Another answer to prayer!

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I can vouch that this is a true story.....because it happened to me!

Pay attention when God speaks to you. It just may save your life!

In Christ, Cheri

Cheri’s Share & Tell