December 1: The PIT Maneuver

 Theme: Trusting God's Providence, Even During Challenging Times

                 

Cheryl Blake

Family Ministries Leader

Savannah SDA Church

“Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.” Psalm 25:4-5 NIV

 

There are moments in our lives when we quietly whisper, “Why me? Why now?” Many of us have faced situations so frightening or unexpected that our hearts race and our words fail. No matter how prepared we think we are, some experiences strike without warning. And yet, through it all, God has a way of showing up, sometimes in ways we never imagined. Even when we can’t see Him clearly, His loving protection surrounds us.

Just over eleven years ago, my husband and I had one such harrowing experience. We traveled to Tampa for my father’s funeral and, having to return to work on Monday morning, we decided to drive to Miami on Sunday to catch the Cayman Airways flight home.

 

Convinced we were late, we were driving approximately 85-90 miles per hour on Interstate 75 when we got in an accident. Thankfully, no one was injured. What could have been fatal resulted in only minor scratches on our rear left wheel arch and slight damage to the other vehicle’s right front indicator. “Did the cars spin out?” was the question we were asked by many of the individuals with whom we shared our story. Because, due to our speed and other factors, one or both cars should have spun out. What occurred was much like the Precision Immobilization Technique, also known as the PIT maneuver, a technique used by law enforcement to immobilize motor vehicles they pursue. Yes, a “PIT” maneuver was in effect!

 

God’s “PIT maneuver” was our testimony. This was His “Protection Intervention Technique”.
He not only steadied the vehicles, He also steadied us. In an instant, our lives flashed before our eyes, but His providence gave us another chance.

 

This traumatizing experience was further compounded because we had to drive another two hours to Miami. But God sent peace and reassurance. The police officer who came to the scene of the accident informed us that Daylight Saving Time had taken effect that very day, giving us an extra hour to make up for lost time. While we had an additional hour, we still had to drive to the airport with a sense of urgency, because having more time did not equate to having unlimited time.

 

While time was on our side in that experience, we must remember that it will not always be the case in our daily lives. One day, the clock will stop and Christ will return, not as Savior, but as King and Judge. That day will come unexpectedly, and we will each receive our just reward. Therefore, let us live each moment for Christ, follow His Spirit, and walk in obedience. Now is the time to choose Christ; tomorrow is not promised. Proverbs 27:1 reminds us, “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.”  We should not postpone obedience or take God’s calling lightly.

 

May the extra time that God gives each of us, in whatever form, lead us to trust His PIT maneuvers, His providence, and His unfailing love.

 

Prayer

Father, thank You for watching over me, even in moments I do not understand.
Teach me to trust Your timing, Your leading, and Your protection.
Help me walk in obedience today, not waiting for a tomorrow that may never come.
Hold me steady in times of fear, and remind me that Your presence goes before me.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.