I don’t have a new car. It’s new to me, but it’s a 2018, so technically it’s used or pre-owned or whatever you want to call it. But it does have that new car smell. So at the risk of sounding completely nerdy, I confess that when I get in my car, I take a big whiff. Every. Single. Time.

For those I haven’t completely grossed out or weirded out, I’m also still extremely grateful. This 2018 Jeep is a tangible reminder of God’s faithfulness. Whenever I get discouraged about finding that next job or have a hard time holding on to God’s promises for me, I look at that little red car and remember how God has provided for me multiple times in the past.

The Bible says that all God’s promises are YES and AMEN in Christ Jesus. I still don’t think that means that I’m winning the lottery tomorrow or that a sleek new Ferrari will show up in my driveway on Monday. It does mean that I will never be forsaken or left alone. All that I needed His hand has provided, as the old hymn says.

My issue is that my timing and God’s timing aren’t always in sync. I’m a lot like King Saul in the Old Testament who tried to help God out a few times instead of waiting on God’s answer. For those who have read 1 Samuel, you know that it didn’t work out so well for our boy Saul. In fact, it (plus a few other unwise decisions) cost him his life.

My Jeep is almost a kind of memorial to God’s faithfulness as much as those stones the people of God raised up to commemorate a scene of deliverance or to remember when God miraculously showed up. So I will pray to be more like King David in waiting on God’s timing and trusting in God’s provision for me.