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The beautiful morning scene gave no indication of the weather warning late in the afternoon. 

Montrose Christian Writers Conference is located in the endless mountains of Northern Pennsylvania. This village is the picture of a by-gone era. Large Victorian mansions grace the streets, a tribute to their owners’ careful attention. Spreading green lawns and gardens complete the scene. Attendees enjoy blessings of instruction, fellowship, and refreshment. Bible-based lessons and music restore body, soul, and spirit.

The calm of one sunny day changed suddenly to expose destructive fury in a summer storm. Forecasters predicted the possibility of a tornado that threatened the greater Montrose area. “People should take shelter from high winds and drenching rain in a basement room. Commuters might want to leave early.” I decided to attend the last afternoon class.

I prayed for God’s protection before driving away. Down the winding road, I noticed ominous, black clouds gathering. Winds began to blow. I set the goal to reach the state highway ten miles away before it rained. I prayed.

Winds increased. Trees thrashed back and forth, blowing leaves and sticks across the road and onto my car. I was a mile from the highway when rain smacked the windshield hard. I was in the middle of a terrible storm. I could scarcely see because of driving rain and the dark sky. Lightning flashed and thunder boomed. I turned right onto the highway, but conditions worsened. Creek waters ran down the hills, quickly covering the lane I traveled. I asked for God’s protective presence.

Faint headlights followed my car. We crawled along for several miles. I was comforted by imagining God drove the car behind mine. It never attempted to pass but kept up the steady pace I had set. I understood—even when I feared, God is my refuge.  No other cars traveled on this highway. Lights ahead revealed a police blockade due to a fallen tree. The angry storm had blown away.

Rain continued, but the sky grew brighter. When I arrived safely home, I sat still in the car, remembering God’s ever-present help.

(Photo courtesy of morguefile and gracey.)

(For more devotions, visit us at www.christiandevotions.us.)