As a freshman in college, I remember arriving at school one day for an exam. The most coveted parking space among students at the time was inside a loading dock behind the main building, whereas most of the available parking was on the other side of a major highway, requiring students to risk their lives in a Hunger Games style heat of Frogger before class each day. Usually, the loading dock would be full, but on that particular day, I had prime parking, or so I thought. 

I enjoyed arriving a few minutes early so I could read a chapter of Psalms or Proverbs from my favorite 10-year-old sunbaked Bible, which I kept gently wedged between my dash and windshield. I learned from an early age that if I want extraordinary favor, I must prioritize the Word by reading it out loud, even if I am the only one listening. Why? Because faith comes through hearing (Romans 10:17) and without faith it is impossible to please God, but He rewards those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6).

As I got out of the car, I couldn’t help but notice the beautiful weather. It was sunny and cool without a cloud in sky. I was feelin’ good and ready to ace this test. Then, halfway through the exam, lightning struck with a thunderclap so loud that it shook the floor and momentarily cut power to the entire school. The room I was in had no windows, so we were left in complete darkness. Although I sometimes enjoy those emotionally heightened and unexpected moments of darkened silence that cause me to pause and reflect, that is not what this story is about. The clock was still ticking, and I did not want to have to return to school for a re-test. In the hallway, I could hear girls screaming and boys laughing and chanting “school is closed” as if they had saved everyone from exams. I breathed a sigh of relief as the lights began to flicker back on. My classmates and I laughed as we heard teachers in other classrooms angrily escorting students outside for cheating in the dark. Then, the rain began to pummel the sides of the building in sheets, like the waves of a tsunami. I remember thinking how strange it was to hear so much rain so quickly, when just moments earlier, I couldn’t see a cloud in the sky.

I finished my exam early, but as usual, I stayed until the class period was over to review my answers. Five minutes before the period ended, the rain stopped. Making my way outside, I could see the sun shining once again, but everything was soaked. As I approached the loading dock, I thought that I had somehow entered the Twilight Zone because I didn’t see my car. If fact, I didn’t even see the loading dock. I remember nervously laughing to myself in dismissal of the idea that over-studying had made me lose my mind. I turned around and walked back inside the school to splash some water on my face and regain my composure. Once again, I approached the loading dock. This time, it started making more sense. We had just experienced a flash flood and my car as well as the entire loading dock were underwater. I emptied my pockets, dropped my book bag, and dove into the deep. I’m glad I rolled my windows up because the door seals had kept the air locked inside. However, I could see the water coming through the vents had already risen to seat level, so I didn’t have much time if I was going to save any valuables.

As I pried open the door, water began rushing into to car, pulling me in with it. The only thing that wasn’t already floating or sinking was the Bible wedged safely in the dash. So, I quickly grabbed it and pushed my way back out. Miraculously, it was the only item in the car that remained completely dry. My initial shock turned to awe and wonder as I considered what God had done. I had a feeling my test wasn’t over, and I was determined to pass this one too. I remember saying to myself, “I’m not going to go through this for nothing. I’m going to have a good attitude.”  

So, there I was, standing in front of my school, dripping from head to toe and flipping through the pages of my perfectly dry Bible. I felt totally exposed to the world with nowhere to hide and nothing to show for, except the Word of God and His peace that transcends all understanding.

As I waited on a tow truck, it seemed like hundreds of people, including students, faculty, administrators, and security guards stopped by to ask me what happened. The situation made it easy for me to share the story and show them my Bible. They all marveled about what had happened, but mostly about my positive attitude. I remember hearing many people say, “If I were you, I would be cussing and demanding that the school buy me a new car.” But that just made me remember one of my favorite Bible verses:

“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28). I could feel His presence all around me and I knew that this was all for a purpose. So, I just made myself available. It didn’t take long for me to realize how those few hours of pausing, reflecting, and sharing my story would encourage so many people. 

Sometimes, Jesus calls us, like Peter, to take a leap of faith out into the deep. And sometimes, the only way to get there is by jumping from the high dive, headfirst into a baptismal pool of destiny where the ripples echo throughout eternity.  

Speaking of Peter, I love how the Lord revealed to him that “God is no respecter of persons (Acts 10:34),” which means that He loves us all the same and there is nothing we can do to earn His love and affection. However, He does give us opportunities to earn his trust when we put our faith and hope in Him alone.

So, how does the story end? Although my car was totaled, the school would not accept responsibility for the loss, and I only had minimal insurance coverage, I took the advice of a friend and towed my car to an auction, where it sparked a bidding war with over 30 participants. I sold it for more than I originally paid. I still don’t understand that one, but that’s the kind of God we serve. Days later, I was gifted a new car with fewer miles and a better sound system than I had before. Praise God!