Traffic Stop

Isaiah 55:8-9 says: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

It was a beautiful night as my husband, Ray and I, headed home from a meeting. We were only two hours away, but the drive was allowing us an opportunity to share some uninterrupted time away from our busy schedules. Coming up on 10:30 p.m., our attention was turned to flashing lights behind us. It was obvious that we were being pulled over for a traffic stop.

The young police officer approached my side of the car. He greeted us in a warm, friendly way, then asked us the usual questions: “Where have you been?” “Where are you headed?” “May I see your driver’s license and proof of insurance?” After answering his questions and digging through the glove compartment for proof of insurance, he told my husband that he was being stopped because he had changed lanes twice without signaling. Ray apologized. The young man then proceeded to return to his patrol car to “check us out” on his computer.

We were both hoping there would be no citation involved in this traffic stop. While the officer was momentarily gone, I might say that Ray was very baffled. He said for sure the young man would give him a citation if he knew that he had no memory of changing lanes in the first place, much less not signaling. Oh, my!

Returning to our vehicle, the young man suggested that Ray remember to use his signal from now own and told us to have a safe trip home. PTL, no ticket! Just a warning. We thanked him. Ray then reached into his coat pocket, pulled out a New Testament and offered it to the officer. The young man happily accepted this gift, and thanked Ray. He stated that he usually kept one in his patrol car, but didn’t seem have one at that time.

As we drove off, I silently said a prayer for this young policeman, knowing what thankless and dangerous jobs first responders often have. I prayed that God’s Word would not return void in this situation. I commented to Ray that the traffic stop might have happened just so that particular police officer would receive the Testament, for we don’t know what God was up to in his life. Ray agreed with my line of thinking.

Because we have seen firsthand and through testimonies of those affected by the life-changing Word of God, only He knows for sure how many lives that one little Testament will touch. The young officer may be reading it himself. He may regularly share it with someone in need of spiritual help as the Holy Spirit directs. Or, he may have the opportunity of sharing Jesus, the Hope of the world, with someone he arrests.

Whatever the case, there are so many exciting possibilities for that one little New Testament, and I totally believe that we were placed in the middle of where God was working so that He might be glorified. These are the moments when we know that God will use us to share our faith through the Gospel of Jesus Christ, if only we make ourselves available—even during traffic stops!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the traffic stops of life where we have unusual opportunities to share Jesus with the world. Help us to always be sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s leading in telling others about You. Please be with all first responders and keep them safe in the arms of Jesus. Show them Your love in ways that only You can do. This we pray in Jesus name and for His glory. Amen.