Recall

On December 31, 2011, the accelerator pedal on my vehicle began to accelerate on its own. The pedal was pressed to the floor and it stuck in the full acceleration position. Needless to say, this was a scary incident.

We called the car maker to see if there were any recalls on this vehicle. There weren’t, but the complaint was noted.

My husband switched out the accelerator and cruise control cables, hoping that the issue would be fixed and that it wouldn’t happen again. It was the best we could hope for.

Two weeks ago we received a letter from our car maker stating that there was a safety recall on my vehicle for this very issue. I called and made an appointment and they disabled the cruise control on my vehicle until they can further decide how to repair this issue.

Apparently, in some vehicles there is inadequate clearance between the engine cover and the speed control cable which could allow the throttle to stick. That was exactly what happened to my SUV! There were 68 complaints and one death before the recall was put into action.

I must admit, I have been very nervous about driving for the past 8 months. Especially when I had the grandkids with me. Wondering if it might stick again for no apparent reason. It has been difficult.

Fortunately, we do have systems in place to keep us safe. There are people in the United States whose jobs are designated to test products to ensure our safety. What a shame, however, that someone had to die before this recall was initiated.

We are also blessed to have a God who takes our safety very seriously. Our spiritual safety.

We are warned to watch out for those who want to deceive us in Mark 13:5 (NIV). “Jesus said to them: ‘Watch out that no one deceives you.’” We must know God’s Word so that we are not deceived. Our spiritual safety is at stake!

Jesus warned to watch out and be on our guard against all kinds of greed in Luke 12:15.

Paul urged the brothers in Rome to “watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them.” (Romans 16:17 – NIV) Again, we must know what God’s teachings are in order to know when the message doesn’t line up with His.

And in 1 John, we see the warning to “Watch out that you do not lose what you have worked for, but that you may be rewarded fully.” (1 John 1:8 – NIV)

Another warning can be found in Galatians 6:1 (NIV). In the discussion of restoring a sinning brother, Paul adds, “But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.” We need to keep ourselves spiritually safe in this situation.

Temptation is also the focus of 1 Corinthians 10:12-13 (NIV). Here, Paul says, “So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.”

Now that is spiritual safety at its finest. God knows when we are at our limit when it comes to temptation and He will offer a way out. I don’t know about you, but for this I am eternally grateful.

We know that Satan is out to tempt us in any way he can. That is another reason Peter encouraged his readers (and us) in 1 Peter 5:8 -9 (NIV). “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in your faith…”

Yes, Satan is looking for that one moment when we are at our weakest to set his plan into motion. We must rely on God’s safety plan to keep our spiritual lives safe.

We must learn to place our spiritual safety into God’s hands. He wants what is best for us and He will do His part to keep us safe. Here are two verses to prove it.

“I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.” (Psalm 4:8 – NIV)

“To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy—to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.” (Jude 1:24-25 – NIV)

Nearly two weeks into the “fix” I am feeling more comfortable about driving my SUV. But I know this is only temporary. The permanent “fix” is being prepared and will be implemented soon.

In our spiritual lives, the temporary fix occurs while we are on this earth. God’s Spirit working in us to keep our spiritual lives safe. But I cannot wait for the permanent fix. Heaven. Once there, I will know complete spiritual safety. Until then, I will rely on God to keep me from falling. To keep me safe within His presence.

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna