Part 1 – The Journey Begins With Surprises

If you’re joining us today for this true adventure, “From Mishaps to Mission,” you can  read the introduction and overview here. This is my first blog series. Be prepared to ride an emotional roller coaster.

Last week, I asked readers to put themselves in the place of our Biblical ancestors, the Israelites,
they were miraculously set free from the Egyptians. They even were blessed with much gold, silver, and livestock, yet right outside the city, they found themselves in a precarious situation.

Once free, they probably expected smooth sailing. Instead they ended up surrounded on all sides with the Red Sea blocking them. They quickly forgot God’s power and ability and they whined. Actually, they wanted to go back into slavery.

Found in Exodus 14, this story reminds us God is glorified in impossible situations. The parting of the Red Sea was a testimony not only to the Israelites, but to the surrounding countries. The adventure my husband took ended up illustrating these principles in modern-day times.

The Reason for the Trip
Staying with a pastor friend in Mississippi while preaching a 4-day revival, Steve spotted an old Nissan parked in the pastor’s yard, tucked out-of-the-way. “Does it run?” Steve inquired.

Don nodded.

“Would you be interested in selling it?

After test drives and dialog, Don gave Steve this gas-saving vehicle. . .totally unaware Steve and Jena had been praying for months for an affordable vehicle with good gas mileage.

During the days, Steve searched surrounding stores, and online, for both a car dolly and tow bars. Nothing. If there was anything, it wouldn’t work with his old Ford Ranger doing the pulling.

“Can’t believe there’s nothing. Riding a bus probably  would be best,” Steve said staring at the phone in his hand.

Barely touching his arm, Jena muttered, “If I weren’t blind, we wouldn’t be in this predicament. I could follow you.”
Steve quickly wrapped his arm around Jena. Pulling her close, he said, “It’s okay. I don’t mind riding a bus.”

He then laid down on the bed and whipped his phone out of his pocket to google bus information. “One leaves at midnight. I can drive you back, we’d get home around 9:00, I could take a quick nap, and head over about 11:00.”

Jena sighed before saying, “But, we wouldn’t be able to stay to site-see like we planned. But, it’s the best option.”

Steve  announced their plans to the pastor and his wife as they grabbed the guitar and music for the last night of the revival. Excited, as they left the next morning, they chattered about God’s goodness and their friend’s generosity.

Almost home, Steve announced, “I think I better stop at the bus station to buy a ticket. They were sold out online when I looked earlier, but we both know from taking so many to bus stops that isn’t always accurate.”

“Good idea,” Jena responded.

Running in, he bought the last ticket of a second bus they had just added. Back inside the car, he called his oldest grandson to see if he’d be able to give him a ride to the bus station in a few hours. Austin agreed.

Arriving home later than anticipated, Steve tucked his driver’s license and a debit card in his front pocket, and some snacks, a couple of 6 outlet power cords, and bottled water in a plastic bag. No time for a nap. He kissed Jena goodbye, and left.

Let the Trip Begin
Standing near the bus waiting to load, Steve heard a commotion to his right. Most everyone stood around looking at their phones so Steve thought it might have been his imagination until red lights flashed in his peripheral vision and sirens roared in his ears. He then witnessed an officer handcuff a man.

Eager to board, Steve scurried to an empty seat. The guy next to him explained, “He stole a lady’s phone. Bus driver saw it and called the cops”

“Sure hope this isn’t an indicator of how the trip will go,” Steve retorted. He then offered up a silent prayer not to get motion sickness, and for his protection. Little did he know the insanity he’d face.

Many mishaps lay ahead. Will he be able to endure? Will he remain Christ-like? Come back to find out.

Question. Have your trips ever started with something going wrong? How did it set the tone for your trip? Were you able to change things around? Share your experience with us in the comments below.

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© 2018, Jena Fellers. All rights reserved.