Taking the Hit

God reveals Himself to us through everyday life events. I’m a firm believer in this. When our hearts and minds focus on Him and we ask God to show Himself, He does.

I had one of those moments not long ago when sitting in the car line waiting to pick up my daughter from preschool. A double car line forms along the edge of the church’s large parking lot. On this particular day, the usually empty lot contained a single car parked in the very center. Of all the available spaces, this person parked right beside a trash barrel.

While I watched, the person cranked their car and backed out of the space. In doing so, they bumped the large black can tipping it over. The wind sent the can rolling, and trash flew everywhere.

As it picked up speed, I realized the can was headed straight for the driver’s side door of my van. I had time to pull forward to avoid impact. However, if I pulled forward, the person in the car beside me, oblivious to the traveling trash barrel, would bear the full brunt of the can against her car.

At least I saw it coming and could brace for the impact. She wouldn’t even know what hit her. So I sat there. I watched the can roll at full force until it collided into the side of my car. Then, I stepped out, moved the can, and surveyed the damage – a large black mark removable with a little elbow grease.

I picked up the trash on the ground, and the lady behind me called out of her window, “I can’t believe you didn’t move. You just let it hit your car. You could have pulled up and avoided the hit.” I explained if I moved, the car next to me would have been hit, and at least I had a warning.

At first, I considered my action a random act of kindness. The more I thought about it, I realized it wasn’t random, but intentional. I chose to sit there. I could have moved, but the other person would have taken the hit.

I heard the Spirit whisper, Christ took the hit for you on the cross. He knew the impact and resulting black marks sin causes, and He chose to take the hit for you and bear the full force of your sin.

God is the one who stands between us and the enemy, shielding and protecting us from sin. And when sin happens to hit us head on, He rubs out the black marks, cleans us up, and lets us start all over again.

You who sit down in the High God’s presence; spend the night in Shaddai’s shadow, Say this: “God, you’re my refuge. I trust in you and I’m safe!” That’s right—he rescues you from hidden traps, shields you from deadly hazards. His huge outstretched arms protect you— under them you’re perfectly safe; his arms fend off all harm. (Psalm 91:13 The Message)

9 Responses to Taking the Hit
  1. Angela
    June 9, 2008 | 1:05 pm

    What an amazing example. THank you for sharing this.

  2. Genny
    June 9, 2008 | 5:03 pm

    What a great post, Amy. I love the analogy, and the reminder how God protects us. Thanks!

  3. Amanda
    June 9, 2008 | 6:00 pm

    Such a lovely and profound post. Thank you for your insight!

    God bless-
    Amanda

  4. Cheri
    June 9, 2008 | 6:17 pm

    I love the way you tied these together: the hit you took and the hit Jesus took for us! So glad to see you here at Faith Lifts!

  5. Angie
    June 9, 2008 | 7:40 pm

    Wonderful insight. I love this line…I heard the Spirit whisper, Christ took the hit for you on the cross. He knew the impact and resulting black marks sin causes, and He chose to take the hit for you and bear the full force of your sin.

    Praise Him!

  6. Carol
    June 9, 2008 | 11:11 pm

    Loved it! This is some good writing girlfriend! 😉

  7. Shera
    June 10, 2008 | 1:05 am

    Reading that in the moment of time as the can was hurtling toward you … you had the presence of mind to think it through still! I think I would have simply reacted.

    Thank you so much for sharing this with us, it’s an excellent example of the everyday things that remind us of Christ’s love for us!

  8. Donna
    June 10, 2008 | 9:57 am

    Woah, you turned a trashcan story into a beautiful piece that will encourage the hearts of many ladies! Thanks!

  9. Julie Todd
    June 11, 2008 | 10:55 am

    Great post, great picture, great words!