“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD.” — Isaiah 55:8

This week, ABC news gave a report that reminded me how many times I have questioned God’s intent about something he is doing in my life. The following story prompted me to apologize to God for questioning him.

    Five years ago, Sam Brownlee, a deputy sheriff, was killed in the line of duty. The squad car he drove was being retired and the local sheriff’s department wanted to auction it off to give money to the COPS (Concerns of Police Survivors), an organization that helps surviving families of law enforcement killed in the line of duty.

    When Tanner Brownlee, Sam Brownlee’s son, heard they were selling his dad’s car, he wanted it. So Tanner proceeded to raise as much money as he could to bid on the car. The Kelley Blue Book value was about $12,500.

    On the day of the auction, Tanner came with his family to try to buy the car. The problem is that a local farmer had more money. Steve Wells, a local farmer, bid $60,000 and won the car. But this is not the real story.

    When the local farmer, Steve Wells, was given the keys, he handed them to Tanner and told him it was all his. Tanner was reported as saying, “I didn’t know!” Tanner thought he had lost the car, but what happened was, he was being gifted the car.

    Sometimes we are like Tanner. God comes in the picture of something important in our lives, and we assume he is there to spoil our plans. The fact is, God is there to help us in ways we cannot fathom. We resist and question why God must be in the picture, when he is trying to bless us like no one else can.

    God has seen we want eternal life. We have tried on our own to earn it, but we cannot afford the price. However, he has paid for it himself through his sacrifice for our sins. We have thought he was there to destroy our fun, when he is really there to help us realize something we could barely even dream of owning.

    When the news media approached the donor, Steve Wells, he declined the interview. He didn’t want to spoil the moment as Tanner got behind the wheel of his fallen dad’s squad car.

    If you see God in the picture of your life today, assume he is there to show you something awesome. Don’t resist his presence or his plan. It is not until the end that you will understand!

    Dr. John A. Temple is pastor of Poplar Springs Drive Baptist Church, located at 4032 Poplar Springs Drive in Meridian. Visit the church website online at www. psdbc.org.