
Ashley
The "Oh, No" Part of the Story

Leave it to me to find a piece of shrapnel on the road. Eric and I were on a trip from California to Michigan. Just a handful of hours from home, we pulled into a gas station for a quick break. Ding!
Uh, no. A flat. There would be no patching the gash that the metal had cut into the tire. It was a Sunday and we wondered what options we would have for a replacement. This is where we began to see the "but God" parts of this story. We had spent hours traveling through scorching desert, dark mountain roads, isolated miles with no cell signal, and congested interstates... BUT GOD worked the timing of the discovery to be at a gas pump. BUT GOD worked the placement to be in a bustling town with a Walmart Tire Center right across the street. It was a blessing because no other tire stores were open. The tire size we needed wouldn't be available until the next day. We were stranded for a good 24 hours. Oh, no. BUT GOD saved the last room in the hotel for us. BUT GOD placed us close to a state park that we were able to hike in and explore. BUT GOD gave us time to rest after a long trip before we walked back into "real" life. BUT GOD gave our boys and their caretakers (we love you) an awesome day of fun. Let's just say they weren't heartbroken that our reunion was delayed. I think we heard their whoops of joy across state lines. There are so many things that could have made the situation incredibly stressful and even dangerous. BUT GOD.. We are so grateful for the care and provision He has shown us even when "this" wasn't part of our schedule. Recognizing Him at work in the "oh, no" parts of our story changed everything.
How might your story change too if you recognize God in the "oh, no?"