Proverbs 19:21 – Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails. (NIV)

Some minor roads that feed into the main ones in Gaborone, Botswana, do not give their users any right of way to enter the main roads. On occasion, however, a considerate driver along the main road assists fellow drivers in the side road by stopping and flashing his or her headlights as a sign that the minor road users may enter the main road. Having experienced such a kindness, I decided one morning recently to let some drivers in, and was happy to see their appreciation by gentle hand waves.

Not used to so using my headlights, however, I forgot to turn them off as I went on my way to the workplace. Moreover, since it is now summer in Botswana, there is no darkness to warrant the use of headlights immediately after dawn. So, I was not consciously aware that my lights were on as I approached my workplace. I was several minutes later than usual at the parking lot (mainly because of having stopped to let in the other drivers) and thus found my favourite parking place occupied. I found a parking slot some place where my left neighbour was another car and my right neighbour was a pavement.

I hurried out of the car and left those lights on! Six hours later, I returned to the car intending to use it to go home for lunch. This plan failed as surely as the batteries were flat! I did not feel particularly hungry so I went back to my workroom thinking about the most efficient way to solve the battery problem. All ways that came to mind would take more than an hour of time and some unusual hassle. I spent the lunch hour working on an urgent document, and then assisted a group of my students who appeared, requesting some help with their studies.

I later joined a fellow professor in his workroom and shared with him my car problem. He said he could solve it because he had, in his car, the needed jumper cables! So we went together, in his car, to my car. Did we need to push the car out for positioning? No, because his battery was on the left side of his car, mine was on the right side of my car and the pavement was not occupied! We solved the problem so quickly and conveniently! I thought the hand of God had planned that solution as early as dawn that day. Did I read too much into this scenario?

Prayer: Mighty God, your wonderful ways continue to amaze us! Help us to have perfect peace as we realise your perfect plans in our lives. Amen.

Forward this devotional     Share on Facebook

About the author:

Allan Babugura <babugura@mopipi.ub.bw>
Gaborone, Botswana
Send your feedback to the author