1Jul 08
The hand of the Lord is not slack
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I serve a living Savior He’s in the world today.
I know that He is living no matter what men say.
I see His hand of mercy I hear His voice of cheer,
and just the time I need Him, He’s always near!
…the two cars began the ascent up South Africa’s most dangerous interstate. This steeply graded 3 lane highway had been the scene of so many car accidents over the years that it was listed in the Guinness book of records. Large trucks 
continually lost control and tumbled over the dangerous precipice injuring themselves and other vehicles. Without warning, the lead car of this small missionary caravan puttered to a sudden stop. Skilled in auto mechanics, the missionary performed a quick recon of the engine but could find no problem. Puzzling as it was there was no sign of reviving the car. His son in the car behind returned to town for a tow truck. Before long a tow truck arrived at the scene and they proceeded with hooking up the dead car. The missionary decided to give the car one more crank of the ignition. Wonder and amazement came upon the group as 
the car roared to life. How strange!
About that time, the missionary’s son came running up and pointed up the steep mountain before them. Near the top there was a scene of an awful accident. A large trucker laden with a load of heavy cargo had tipped over sending its cargo sprawling across the road. A closer look revealed a small Mercedes vehicle flattened mercilessly underneath. His son exclaimed that the Mercedes had been close behind them just before the vehicle unexpectedly died. The sudden realization came upon them all that their car would of been underneath the trailer if it had not been for the break down. Later, the missionary had his car inspected by a local mechanic for potential problems. They could find none. All was as it should be. With joy and thanksgiving they recognized that the hand of the Lord had been present in their midst.
We were recently blessed to have the missionary mentioned above and his wonderful family stay overnight at our home. The Van Essens have served the Lord 
for many years on mission fields throughout the world. During our all too short visit with them, they shared many testimonies of how the hand of the Lord had faithfully guided and protected their family.
Brothers and sisters in Christ, we serve a living Savior who has a personal relationship with each of His chosen! "What a fellowship! What joy divine!" Yet how often, while living in the corners of the world we were called unto, do we overlook His hand of mercy? By no accident were the Colossian believers exhorted to "Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving (Col. 4:2)." If we are not looking for the hand of God, we may miss a powerful demonstration of His mercy.
Our time with the Van Essens was a powerful reminder to us that God is constantly at work on our behalf. The seeming obstacles, unpredicted problems, and encounters made throughout our days were divinely appointed by the Lord. His hand is not slack. The question now is, what will our response be?
That is an amazing testimony of God’s protection! Reminds me of the time Balaam’s donkey would not walk in Num. 22. We can so easily become frustrated instead of realizing God has a reason for what He is allowing.
Praise God for his direct action in our lives!
Testimonies of God’s power and direction are so power and encouraging.
Thank you Van Essen family for sharing this story with us.
I too am glad to see that story documented! It must have been great to have the Van Essens there for a somewhat-extended stay and hear their testimonies. Let’s continue recording and sharing the ones God’s gives to each of us.
[...] our second day visiting the Van Essen family in Ontario, Canada, our hospitable hosts took us to see the Gallery on the Lake and enjoy [...]