I turned onto Highway 24, coming from Charis Bible College in Woodland Park, CO and heading west toward Dawn of Hope Ranch where I was staying. After four days of conferences, the route was familiar. As I left the evening session the moon shed little light on the road. I considered turning on the brights, but there was too much oncoming traffic.
The speed limit sign said 60, so I set the cruise control at 58 and was rolling along. I was challenged by the message at the conference and knew I needed to pray about it. I told God I needed to focus on driving right now but would process it with Him when I got to my room. I was thinking about His goodness when Bam! Something hit the right side of my car. Out of the corner of my eye I caught a brief glimpse of a deer sliding out of sight.
My first response was, ”Oh my gosh, I just hit a deer!” Then I asked, ”Lord, what should I do?”
”Keep going. Get back to the ranch.” That was a 12-mile drive, the last 5 miles of which were dirt roads I hadn’t been fond of even in the daylight with a 100% functional car, but I kept going. At the next stoplight, a streetlight revealed that the hood was pushed up a bit, and something slid off the car. I heard metal hit the pavement.
I continued toward the ranch, praising God, thanking Him I wasn’t hurt, and declaring scriptures such as ”The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him, and he delivers them.” Psalm 103:20 says, “Bless the Lord, you His angels, who excel in strength, who do His Word, heeding the voice of His Word,” and I am convinced that angels were responding to the voice of His Word as I spoke it forth.
I breathed a sigh of relief upon entering the driveway to the ranch. When I stopped the car, I heard pieces fall to the ground. I glanced at the damage before making my way into the building. “Hmmm – This is worse than I thought! Thank you, Lord, for getting me here safely.”
I made the necessary phone calls. Some of the other guests heard what had happened and gathered around to pray for me. Then I went to bed. The next morning I went out to take a picture of the car. I was amazed I’d been able to get all the way to the ranch. The headlight was completely gone. I had driven all that way with only the left headlight and the right fog light.
As the tow truck driver pulled the car onto the flatbed, pieces kept falling off. Shattered headlight glass along the side of the road marks the spot where the accident occurred. Colossians 1:17 says that God holds all things together. I know an angel was holding that car together for me.
I’ve been facing my upcoming move from Illinois to Arizona with a bit of trepidation. Although it’s very exciting, it’s a big step and a little scary. But all my fear and worry is gone now. If God can get a completely undriveable car to the ranch, He can get me to Arizona with all pieces intact. He can and He will.
Oh my goodness! What an experience! I really appreciate your take-away: “I’ve been facing my upcoming move from Illinois to Arizona with a bit of trepidation. Although it’s very exciting, it’s a big step and a little scary. But all my fear and worry is gone now. If God can get a completely undriveable car to the ranch, He can get me to Arizona with all pieces intact. He can and He will.”
Thanks for sharing this story. It’s just what I needed this afternoon.
P.S. – We lived in WI for 9 years. Deer were everywhere, yet, mercifully, we never had an accident there. When we returned to IL, my husband had 2 car-deer accidents in a span of about four years. 🙂
Thanks, Michelle. Once my husband and I were driving on a divided highway with probably four lanes going in each direction and a deer ran out and jumped right over our car and landed in front of the car going in the opposite direction. They saw it coming and were able to stop in time. In all of our years of driving we always watched for the deer, and never hit one, but it was dark and he came from behind where my headlights didn’t reach. Definitely an experience I would not care to repeat.
OMG – glad you’re safe and sound. The car can be replaced, but you can’t. Any news on the deer??
Once you’re in AZ, all you’ll have to worry about are coyotes and javelinas. I don’t think we have deer roaming the highways – well unless you go to Oatman where there are burrows walking around the town.
And yes, your angel was definitely holding your car together.
Don’t know what happened to the deer. When we drove by the “scene of the crime” on the way to the next morning’s session, all we saw was glass from the headlight and some small metal pieces.
Well Judy, God had you fully in his mind. I just wish that deer had talked to God before he ran out onto the road and into your car. You know that car is very replaceable but you are not. Peace my friend.
Yes, it would have been nice if it hadn’t happened at all. But with no test, there’s no testimony, and this is just one more powerful testimony to God’s goodness!
Wow! Scary experience…but I am so glad you are OK. Cars can be easily fixed, people not as easily. I miss seeing you and the Writers group, but am doing well in the North woods and have found both a new church and a writers group. Blessings to you, Julie
The writers group misses you, too. I have not been there for a while. Between getting ready to move, and my trip to Colorado, I just couldn’t fit it in. I hope to be able to attend the one on the 25th, but my packers are coming that day and I don’t know what time. I’m glad you found a church and a writers group. That’s great to hear.
Judy,
That’s not my definition of “steak on the grill.” Thrilled that you’re okay and it did make great devotional material, but please have a little adventure.
Ha ha! It was definitely not something I would want to repeat again! But God is good!
Holy smokes!!
So glad you’re safe!!
Me too! Did you guys see a lot of deer when you were out there? I saw lots of them, too, but that one sneaked up from behind!
Your so blessed! His Angel watching over you!
Love ❤️ you my sister
I am definitely blessed. I have learned from this that when we’re walking in the flow of blessings, if we need a miracle we get one!