The steering wheel became rigid as the car sputtered and died.

I wrestled my vehicle to the shoulder of the road and contemplated the situation. Dark night enveloped me on this lonely stretch surrounded by vast grain fields. Rain pounded the car and I had no umbrella.

I didn’t have a cell phone either. How was I going to get out of this fix? Why did God allow me to experience this? Then I remembered the One whose face shines on His beloved creation.

“Lord, I didn’t realize I was so low on gas and I can do nothing now. But You can help me. Thank You for putting enough gas in my car so I can drive to the next exit and fill up. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.”

With that, I turned the key.

The car started right up! I drove several miles to the filling station, rejoicing in God’s blessings.

The trial was a blessing because it turned my thoughts away from my circumstance and towards the One who loves me. God’s solution was also a blessing because years later I shared this story with a friend who was ill with worry over a problem in his life. His face changed as he realized that God is gracious to us in all our troubles.

Though we may not see all the details of His provision yet, we can have peace in good times and bad.