Have You Ever Been Caught?

Have you ever been in a situation where you get in trouble, but you are finding all types of excuses refusing to accept the outcome? I have. I remember the first time and hopefully the last time I got a speeding ticket. I remember that day like if it was yesterday. My fist reaction when I noticed the motorcycle cop behind me was, I am sure he is after someone else--surely not me. I decided to take the right lane and looked again in my rear view mirror to see him directing me to stop. I don't think I was scared, but I was humiliated. I remember the many times I have seen cops with the red lights flashing, stopping others and writing tickets. I was always grateful to God that I wasn't the motorist during those times. Now it was my turn.

How did I take it? I didn't argue with the officer, didn't provide any defense, but politely provided the papers he needed to verify that I was legitimate. When he told me that I was approximately 12 miles above speed limit, I just looked at him. If looks could intimidate and kill, he would have been dead then. When he handed me the ticket, I resigned myself to sign it, took the copy from him, then got into my car and left.

Then the real war started. Since my last two children were in the car with me and they were scared when the police stopped us, I had to keep my calm and let them know that everything was fine. When their questions were, why and what would happen? I tried to explain to them why I got the ticket and that I probably would have to pay some fine for breaking the law. It was a great learning experience for them.

However, when I started reminiscing the few minutes events that just happened, I got more and more upset. By the way, is there such a thing as good luck and bad luck when confronting events of life? First, I was telling myself, you really weren't speeding? How do I know that when I don't have a clue how fast I was going. One thing I am surely aware is that I was following the flow of traffic. Second, the bible verse stating that the whole earth belongs to God and that He has given it to the sons of man came to my mind. Since I am a child of God, does the cop know that I should be able to drive wherever I want to, and however way I want to without hindrances? Smile! Also, the bible verse about submitting to authority and the fact that they are established for our protection came also to my mind (1 Peter 2:13-14). But at that time, I didn't want to dwell on that verse. Then I started thinking, if I had the resurrected body Jesus promised, I wouldn't have been in trouble now. Was I following the first parents mindset and trying to blame the Lord for my carelessness? Or, was I thinking about the Kingdom of God being fully established on earth?

How do you feel when caught hands in the bag? I read about our first parents blaming the serpent and God (Genesis 3:8-13). Our society and our generation mindset indulge us to always blame someone or something for our inadequacies. Criminals blame parents or upbringing for their misbehaviors and crimes. I blame my husband when something I reluctantly agree with turns bad. My children blame each other when in trouble. I also question God when not happy with situations I am enduring at times, and tend to blame Him for forsaking me and not delivering me soon enough.

What should we do when caught? Beware that our Loving Father is always looking for a sincere and repentant heart (1 John 1:8-9). Despite knowing all our shortcomings and weaknesses, he chose us before the beginning of the world to be conformed to the image of Christ. He loves us and wants the best for us. Let's keep in mind and fully acknowledge that the Lord will rescue us from every evil attack and will bring us safely to His heavenly kingdom (2 Timothy 3:18; Psalm 121:7).

Let's learn to keep our head high in all situations and be at peace with God, self and all people. Let's learn to run to the throne of Grace and receive mercy in our times of weaknesses, because the Lord is good and His mercy endures forever. Let's learn to say like the Psalmist: “I will lift up my eyes to the hills--from whence comes my help. My help comes from the Lord who made heavens and earth” (Psalm 121:1-2).

Blessed are those who hear the Word of God and obey it! (Luke 11:28)

Marie Monaus