Did You Learn Anything

It was dark and snowing. My parents didn’t want me to head back to my apartment due to the weather. I was young and dumb. I insisted that with Dad’s truck I’d be fine. Finally, he gave in and sent me on my way. My mom was furious that he let me go. Dad simply said, “She’ll be back.” Mom questioned how he’d know that and Dad told her to wait and see.

The roads in town were snow-covered but manageable. Then I made my down a county road that was open farmland on either side. With the wind, it was a complete whiteout. I could barely see the hood of the truck. Then I looked down and saw the gas tank on empty. I panicked. There was a gas station ahead, but I didn’t have any money. I pulled in. Told the owner who I was and who my dad was. I promised to come back and pay the next day if I could have a couple of gallons of gas to get back home.

I made it back to my parents home. My dad had a smirk on his face. My mom was relieved and asked, “How did you know she would come back?” My dad looked at me and said, “Wasn’t so easy to see out there was it?” “No,” I said. Then came is classic line, “Did you learn anything?”

It’s that phrase that I think God is often saying to me, “Did you learn anything?” Life is challenging. We have experiences we don’t understand. We make mistakes. I make mistakes. Mistakes are opportunities for lessons learned, so this scripture has become my prayer.

God, teach me lessons for living so I can stay the course. Give me insight so I can do what you tell me— my whole life one long, obedient response. Guide me down the road of your commandments; I love traveling this freeway! Give me a bent for your words of wisdom, and not for piling up loot. Divert my eyes from toys and trinkets, invigorate me on the pilgrim way. Affirm your promises to me— promises made to all who fear you. Deflect the harsh words of my critics— but what you say is always so good. See how hungry I am for your counsel; preserve my life through your righteous ways! (Psalm 119:33-40 MSG).

Apparently, the truck was not out of gas. The gas gauge was broken. Dad knew it was an opportunity for me learn. God knows when it’s time for me to hear, “Did you learn anything?” Are you willing to pray this scripture? Are you willing to let God ask, “Did you learn anything?”

How does God speak lessons to you? Share your experience here and breathe life and bring hope to others.

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