God teaching me a lesson with Green Traffic Lights

(Image from concept.blogspot.com)

As I was driving down Route 1 to Chipotle, light-after-light-after-light was green. I couldn't believe my stupendous luck. This had never happened to me on this road... not like this. As I was speeding down the road, I thanked God for these cool, easy-breezy green lights. During that moment, my conscience spoke to me and reminded me to not speed as I was going 55mph on a 35mph road. I prayed to God and asked Him to remind me to not speed and abuse the green lights.

Then and there, a police car was at the intersection of yet another green light. In that second, I gasped as my heart choked with realization at what was happening. I had sped past the cop at 55mph but he didn't stop me. I was dumbfounded.

After regaining my wits, I could not express my thankfulness to the Lord at that moment for not pulling me over. I deserved no less than a ticket, a fine, a rebuke from my parents, shame in my heart, and God's severe discipline.

Why didn't the cop pull me over?
Because God was undoubtedly merciful in that moment.
And, also maybe because He knew I had learned a meaningful lesson.
I didn't deserve either mercy or lesson.

Was it really my conscience speaking to me?
More than that, it was the Holy Spirit kindly reminding me of right and wrong.
"Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God" (1 Corinthians 2:12).



How often have I gone through my life abusing all sorts of gifts God has given me?
He's given me gifts to appreciate Him, the Giver, more than the gifts.
He's given me gifts in hope that I would use them for good, not for bad, not for selfish reasons.
He's given me gifts that I may know I deserve none of them let alone any part of Him.

God, You are so much more than I know or deserve. What can I say? Teach me how to be a good son of yours.


When have you ever been given a gift from God or anyone and just plainly, flat-out used them for your own selfish purpose?
(I know I have... plenty of times.)





Curious to learn more about God and more about you,
Brendon