What looked like a disaster turned out to be a blessing I won’t forget. Tensions were high as we packed for the long trip home after camping for three days. The stresses of the campsite tear-down in the desert heat were wearing on both of us. Arguments over the littlest things were the outcome as my husband and I each felt that our own duties were of the utmost importance. Little love was in the air as we struggled to leave the campground clean and remember everything we’d need on hand for the trip home with our two little ones and the dog.

With a sigh of relief we were finally on our way. Miles of desert whizzing by, the steady sameness of the scenery had a quieting effect on all of us. The kids, exhausted from their amazing camping adventure, were sound asleep in the back seat and we were beginning to relax and enjoy the trip. But how suddenly things changed.

For a moment we thought it was smoke as bellowing bursts of steam began soaring out from under the hood of our car. We pulled over, cut the engine, and the steam slowed to a stop. We reached for the water jug. We would refresh the radiator and be on our way. But to our amazement we had failed to fill it before we left camp!! These being the days before cell phones and religiously packed purchased water bottles, we were stranded without the precious resource. Looking at each other, wondering who was to blame, we soon realized that finding that out would not be the slightest bit helpful. We opened the hood and waited.

The road was as empty as its desert surroundings. Finally a car did go by. Some time later another went by without stopping. What could we do? I knew there was nothing God couldn’t do. Recalling His greatness, I stepped out of the car and, seemingly standing in the middle of nowhere, I quietly prayed.

Another car passed. Later another. Believing that God would somehow help, I waited. Another car passed. We watched it get almost out of sight on the long empty road ahead. But then . . . it pulled over, turned around, crossed the road, and stopped a few feet from where we were parked. Still standing outside, I could hear a woman calling eagerly as she stepped out of her car. “Do you need water? We have water,” she called. “Yes,” I said. “Yes, we do!” After receiving a share of their precious water supply, our radiator was refreshed, and with grateful hearts we thanked our dear passers-by for their generous help.

They had something else to share, however, that would refresh our very hearts. Before leaving the woman told us that, while preparing for their trip, she had sensed God directing her to bring extra water, that someone along the way would be needing it. The excitement in her voice couldn’t be missed. What a blessing it was for all of us. Perfect strangers, by perfect design, we were brought together to experience something of the nature of our amazing God. How great He is.

He opened the rock and water flowed out; It ran in the dry places like a river. Psalm 105:41