Encouragement in the AHA moments–God preparing us for what is to come

By: Deborah Schroeder
August 15, 2025

For a number of years, my quiet time with the Lord came after my children went off to school and before I began my tasks.  In nicer weather, I loved sitting on our wooden swing hanging on our screened back porch.  Our home was on a country road a few blocks from the city.  Far enough from the noise of heavy traffic, we could hear birds chirping from their perch in our Maple trees.  It was a peaceful time of day.  On one such morning, I came across a passage that gave me what I call an “AHA” moment.  Have you ever experienced that?  I read something from the Word of God that prompted me to ask myself a question I had not contemplated before.  The verse was Matthew 16:21:

From that time, Jesus began to show his disciples that he had to go to Jerusalem and suffer may things from the elders, chief priests, and experts of the law, and be killed, and on the third day be raised again (EHV).

Wait a minute.  Did Jesus just tell his disciples exactly what was going to happen to him in the days to come?  Although they did not comprehend what He was saying, Jesus’ words were spoken to prepare them for His suffering, death, and resurrection.

The Word of Jesus prepared His disciples for what was to come.  Matthew, Mark, and Luke all recorded his crucifixion prediction either from first-hand experience or from the direct testimony of someone who was with Jesus (Matthew 16:21; Mark 8:31; Luke 9:22, 24:45-49).

As I meditated on these words, the question came to mind: What has the Lord given me through His Word to prepare me for what was to come?  Hmm.  Whenever I come across His crucifixion prediction, I reflect on ways the Lord has prepared me for something He knew was coming in my life.  One such incident occurred just recently.

While studying Parables online with a group of women, we came to the Parable of Moths, Rust and Thieves (Matthew 6:19-20).  The lesson focused on the utter futility of an earth-centered life.  Part of the discussion went to the decay which eats into and corrodes all the perishable treasures of earth.  While there is nothing wrong with having material things, it is the obsession with things to bring happiness that is of concern.  Luther warned, “What a man loves, that is his God.” ¹

In May 2024, it was time for me to purchase a new car.  I had been driving a Toyota Rav4, and I loved it.  I decided to get the same model again.  I was thrilled with all the technology that was included, and loved features such as the moon roof, rear view video cameras, satellite radio, and a heated seat and steering wheel.

The following March 2025, and the day after our study on the Parable of Moths, Rust, and Thieves, my husband and I made one of our regular trips to the gym in my Rav4.  While we were exercising, someone made a careless attempt at backing out of the parking spot adjacent to mine.  In the process he rammed into the front passenger side panel of my Chill Pearl (white) 2024 Toyota Rav4 (not quite one year old).  He hit with such force that my front tires—originally positioned at 12:00—were shoved to 10:00!  The front passenger door was heavily dented.  Estimates to repair the damage came to $3,500.00.  I groaned when I saw the damage, because I love this car!  But I was immediately reminded of our study the night before.  My Rav4 is only a thing that will not last.  And I found peace.  In spite of the damage, we were able to drive the Rav4 home from the gym.  My husband found a highly recommended auto repair service right in our village.  Insurance covered the entire cost, including the deductible.  And two weeks later, I had a like-new car once again.  But peace came long before the circumstances fell into place.  

That was the physical damage.  There was also the emotional toll.  One of our gym buddies not only rammed into my car, but he or she also drove out of the parking lot as if it never happened.  No responsibility was taken for such carelessness.  My husband did file a police report, and he did notice the make of car parked on the right side of ours.  In subsequent days at the gym, we paid closer attention to the cars coming and going in the parking lot.  At one point we thought we identified the culprit.  He was such a nice man, always cheerfully greeting us at the gym.  He even knew my name!  We had to remind ourselves: we did not see who actually banged into the side of our car.  How do you approach someone you think might have caused such damage?  And what good would come from it?  We decided to let it go, and leave accountability to God.  By Grace, we forgave whomever was responsible for the damage.  Afterall, we are forgiven for so much more!

The Lord knew what was coming that day at the gym.   The night before the damage to my Rav4, He provided a study with a caution on basing happiness on things.  He equipped me with the right attitude toward the damage.  His Word and His Spirit gave me a sense of release from the temptation to grieve over damaged possessions.  I was spared the emotional exhaustion of self-pity (why did this happen to us) and self-righteousness (after all we do for others, this is the thanks we get?).  

The key is to remain consistent in taking in the Word of God.  One of the many benefits is preparation for what is to come in our lives.  

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not rely on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
And he will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5-6 (EHV)

Footnotes

1-Herbert Lockyer, All the Parables of the Bible, Zondervan, pp. 148-149, 1963.