Down The Dark Highway

Wednesday, July 3, 2019
Listen to this devotional:
Listen while you read: "Rejoice Ye Pure In Heart"1 (Lyrics)

2 Corinthians 4:17 – These troubles and sufferings of ours are, after all, quite small and won't last very long. Yet this short time of distress will result in God's richest blessing upon us forever and ever! (TLB)

During World War II, the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers built a much-needed highway through Canada connecting Alaska to the contiguous United States. It wasn't yet paved or open to the public, but my father decided to take our family down it in our 25-year-old station wagon with pre-war tires, to see my grandmother. Although he had told my mother that it was just a little holiday, he had sold our house, closed their bank account, and stashed the cash in my mother's purse in an unmarked envelope without telling her. Unfortunately, she always took her purse along when using the bushes as a washroom. About three days out, hurrying to respond to one of us children, she left it behind. Not till that evening did she miss it, but that purse was gone forever, lying somewhere miles back among the identical trees and underbrush lining that empty road, with no possibility of ever finding it again. There were no other cars, people, gas stations, or businesses — just endless wilderness — and us, utterly alone, though not forsaken: God still cared for us.

Mother prayed as we drove slowly on, a tire blowing out every so often on the rough gravel road. As my father stopped to change it, he considered what to do next. He knew what he had to offer: he had never met an engine or anything mechanical that he couldn't fix. Just before we ran out of gas, he turned down the first dirt road that branched off, and we came to a farm. My father went in and offered to go to work for the farmer, repairing any broken farm machinery that he might have, as well as working as a hired hand, if the farmer would feed and house the six of us while he did it. The farmer agreed, and we spent most of the next month in his attic, eating our way through fresh eggs, milk, cheese, and vegetables.

At that time, my father was not practicing the H.O.W. of living life: H.onesty, O.penness and W.illingness. How different that adventure would have been if he had been honest. It is a lesson for us all.

Proverbs 11:3 – A good man is guided by his honesty; the evil man is destroyed by his dishonesty. (TLB)

On the other hand, my father was example for us all about being persistent in the face of adversity.

2 Corinthians 4:8-9 – We are pressed on every side by troubles, but not crushed and broken. We are perplexed because we don't know why things happen as they do, but we don't give up and quit. We are hunted down, but God never abandons us. We get knocked down, but we get up again and keep going. (TLB)

I learned from my father that God has equipped each of us for the work that He gives us to undertake in our lives, and He also gives us the strength and understanding to do it. But He asks us for honesty, open-mindedness, and willingness to follow His commandments, if we are to stay out of unnecessary trouble.

Prayer: Dear heavenly Father, give us courage and wisdom to do Your will as we find and accept the abilities and talents that You have given to each of us. We are grateful that You have left no one out of Your gifting and that all gifts are equal in Your sight. Help us to deal honestly with one another, openly and willingly. Thank You that our lives have meaning and purpose as we walk with You today. Amen.

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About the author:

Rose DeShaw <rise370@gmail.com>
Kingston, Ontario, Canada

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1 Comment

  • PresbyCan Feedback says:

    Amazing story, Ruth! Thanks for sharing!


    A wonderful story, Rose, and a great challenge.


    A testimony to your mom that she forgave him!


    Thank you Rose for sharing this devotional with us. Blessings.


    Thank you for today’s reading.
    You have a wonderful gift for writing.


    This is a great story and lesson, Rose. I think you’ve had enough adventures for at least ten people!


    Thank you Rose for your shared devotion.
    It strikes home for me.
    Thanks.


    Wow Rose,
    I see God’s hand in every bit of this wonderful devotional! Amen and thank you for sharing!


    What a story, Rose. I do not know how I would have reacted. Whatever happened you are a wonderful example to all of us.
    (Texas)


    Rose, I’m rather surprised that the story didn’t include your mother killing him!!
    Great adventure story with a great and application though. Thanks for writing.
    Blessings.


    Hello Rose,
    Wow that was quite a trip your family endured back in the day. Sure proves the Lord is always near to help us through life situations as we love and trust in Him. Honesty in our daily life is surely highly praised by our loving Lord.
    Blessings for your writings.
    (B.C.)


    Rose,
    This was such an important lesson that you shared with us today! Thank you for divulging the importance of H.O.W. in our daily interactions and partnership with God, especially when we utilize our talents!
    Did you all make it safely to your grandmother’s in the end?
    Blessings.


    Hi Rose,
    Your devotional this morning brought back many memories. We lived in B.C. for a couple of years, on the Alaska highway.
    When we lived there the Alaska highway was paved to mile 101 more or less and was gravel beyond, for the next 1500 miles or so. We were building a pipeline in that area and I traveled that road many times going to our field office.
    Thanks for writing, you made my day, good memories.
    Blessings.


    Thank you, Rose, for another delightful and encouraging message. The scriptures you used should be highlighted in all our Bibles.

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