“I admit that I haven’t yet acquired the absolute fullness that I’m pursuing, but I run with passion into His abundance so that I may reach the purpose that Jesus Christ has called me to fulfill and wants me to discover. I don’t depend on my own strength to accomplish this; however, I do have one compelling focus: I forget all of the past as I fasten my heart to the future instead. I run straight for the divine invitation of reaching the heavenly goal and gaining the victory-prize through the anointing of Jesus.” ( Philippines 3:12-14  TPT)

This morning had an unexpected turn. 

I went to take my driving test this morning. Yes, me, taking the driving test at the age of … a mom with two young children to get my driving license in Switzerland. 

I’ve been practicing with my whole family in the car for months. Though I didn’t sleep very well last night because of, you know, a toddler and a one-year-old baby, I woke up early this morning excited, thinking, “This is the day that Lord has made. I’m getting my license!”

Instead of driving our car, I (with my husband and baby) drove the car we borrowed from a friend with a physical handbrake (to meet the requirement) to the vehicle-control office. 

After a few minutes of waiting, an officer came to me and asked for my provisional license. Then, we got into the car. I asked if he could speak English. He said no, and asked me if I spoke any French. A little, I said. He pulled up the handbrake as I drove out of the parking for a few meters and signaled me to stop. To my surprise, he explained to me that the handbrake wasn’t working properly, and the beeping sound of the airbag sign on the screen was not good either. He thought for a moment and eventually decided that the car wasn’t safe enough for the driving test. 

And that was it. We had to reschedule the test for the next Tuesday morning and pay the full exam fee again. 

As you could imagine, how disappointed I felt!

Then, the scripture above came to mind, and I had a perspective shift, feeling encouraged. 

No matter how prepared we think we are, unexpected things still and will happen. We don’t know what we don’t know. However, in those moments, God is in control, and His promise of abundant life isn’t nulled. It’s up to you and me to trust Him and discover His excellent purpose in those moments. 

This morning, it could be God’s protection that the officer declined my test out of safety concern. What feels bad isn’t necessarily a bad thing. 

I have a few more days to practice. We will rent a car for the test next week. 

I feel calm and peaceful because “I don’t depend on my own strength to accomplish this; however, I do have one compelling focus: I forget all of the past as I fasten my heart to the future instead.”

Dear friend, what is the one thing that happened in your life recently that could use a perspective-shift? Remember the big picture— no matter how you feel about that thing, you can always run into His abundance to discover and fulfill your god-given purpose. And He will help you along the way!