“The Man In the Black Car”

"The Man In the Black Car"

   I will likely never see him again, and wouldn't know if I did.  I don't know his name, where he is from, or anything about him.  Except…

   ...Except that he slowed down his vehicle to volunteer aid as Frances and I stopped on an interstate offramp.  I left the gas cap off after a stop at a service station.  It flapped against the side of the car, alerting me to my error.  I got out and replaced the cap.  By the time I finished, a car approached.  The driver slowed his vehicle, and through the passenger's side window asked,  "Everything ok?  Need some help?"  I assured him we were fine, thanked him, and he waved and went on his way. 

    The man's gesture and generous offer of help touched me deeply.  It also made me a bit sad because I would have loved to thank him face to face, shake his hand, and tell him what a blessing and example he had been to us.  I'll never be able to do this, but the thought occurred to me, "There is something I can do for the man, despite not knowing a thing about him other than the fact he graciously offered to help someone he didn't know.  

    I determined to pray for "the man in the black car who offered to help us".   I will do this for the rest of my life, as God directs.  Of course, I don't know if he is a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, although he certainly acted like one.  I am also unaware of any detail of his life.  However, I know the One who does know.  Thus, I can ask our Heavenly Father to work in the man's heart and life in accordance with Divine wisdom, knowledge, understanding, and most of all, the redeeming love of Christ.  I can do something for the man, or rather, I can ask our Lord to work in his heart and life for the glory of God, and the man's benefit.  This may involve salvation, or it may involve the fruits of an already received salvation.  Birth or growth.  Whatever the case, how wondrous that God grants us the privileged responsibility of interceding for others, whether we know them or not.  "I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men" (I Timothy 2:1).

   I have no doubt that the Lord orchestrated the events that led to the encounter.  I don't suppose He caused me to forget replacing the gas cap.  I own that blunder!  However, He knew I would do so, and thus fit my forgetfulness into His eternal purposes.  Again, the gentleman's kindness greatly blessed us and exemplified the Lord Jesus.   I trust he will also experience blessing through God's answer to our prayers.  I also hope you are encouraged by this account of a truly wonderful gesture by a stranger who acted like a friend.  Perhaps we will follow his example in some manner, and our Lord will use the encounter that lasted little more than 5 seconds as an ongoing reminder to help others.  Or maybe we will pray for those who help us.  Seems like a win-win situation to me, and all because "the man in the black car" served as God's reminder and example.  I am grateful for that, for the opportunity to pray for him, and the privilege of sharing this with you.

"As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men."

(Galatians 6:10)

Weekly Memory Verse

   Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

(Philippians 4:8)