July 2 - Satan

The devil drives a tan Ford Expedition.

As my wife and I made our way back from our great vacation in South Carolina, we hit a major traffic jam in the hills leading into Asheville. To make matters worse, we were low on gas. The gauge was flashing and we were a few miles away from the nearest gas station. So, in desperation I pulled over into the emergency lane and began to pass other drivers stuck in traffic...UNTIL...

the devil decided to pull in front of us. Yes, this upstanding citizen decided to take it upon himself the role of blocking people from driving in the emergency lane. Here I am trying to communicate to this man in every way positive I know how that my fuel tank is almost dry and I need to get to the nearest exit, but it didn't matter. His objective was to keep anyone from passing him, no matter what. Through his hand gestures, his driving behavior, and his presence on the road with other drivers, this guy was bad news.

Here's the question:

How do you deal with someone like this person when you are in a stressful situation?

The answer:

The same way you deal with the devil when he throws temptations and traps in your path.

There are people in the world that seek out negativity on others. By this I mean, these people thrive on the failure or suffering of other people.

2 Timothy 2:23-26 says:

23 Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. 24 And the Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. 25 Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.

So, when faced with resistance and fighting back seems like the best and easiest option, apply these verses to the situation. Should I have called this man an idiot, even with the windows up? No. Should I have honked my horn that one time? No. Instead I should have simply entrusted that God would take care of the situation and get us to the gas station without harm...

...just as he did today.