The feeling and sound were unmistakable. Only one person knew what he said, but when he put his foot on the clutch, we all knew it was going to be the ride of our lives.

It was the late ‘90s, my wife and two children were home, and I was far away. I had ventured to Ukraine to train others for a special kind of ministry.

From Kiev we flew down to Yalta on the southern coast of the Crimean Peninsula.

We took a day to see where Stalin, Churchill and Roosevelt met to plan the final blow to Nazi, Germany, and visit some other sites.

Six of us had packed into a small hatchback built for four. It was in rough condition and at 6’ 4” I was stuck in the middle and feeling it.

We were traveling up a narrow mountain road with parts of the road washed out. Every time he took a blind curve, he cut across the road to do so.

We would stare in disbelief or make our discomfort known in some audible way.

The driver would then speak, and the translator explained.

“Don’t worry, very few have cars. Trust me, this is the safest way to do this”.

Of course I was thinking, “Trust you? How about slowing down and staying in your lane so we can all get home safely.”

But who wants to be rude at a time like this?

Back to the clutch.

When his foot hit the floor, he spoke calmly.

Then it was the translator’s turn.

“We’re out of gas, I know where we can get some”.

Did I mention that car had no power steering.

As we began coasting backwards down that winding mountain with blind curves, washed out portions of the road, and a steep cliff on one side with a beautiful view…

We did what any rational personal would do.

No, we didn’t scream.

We all silently talked to Jesus about the nut behind the wheel.

Several miles down that mountain we coasted at a high rate of speed across a multilane highway – backward – and up a road on the other side until our momentum slowed.

There is no rollercoaster on planet earth that could match this ride.

But thankfully he was right. Very few people drive around there.

Clutch still to the floor we sped forward down that highway then made a sharp turn.

 At least five of us were now hoping for a restroom. We felt like this guy in Rom. 4:18.

But since not too many drive…

You get the picture.

He couldn’t slow down because he needed the momentum to get up the steep lane where the fuel pump finally came into view.

The driver was now yelling but we had to wait for the translation:

“Get out quickly and block the wheels. We need to push it the rest of the way”.

6’ 4” of “stuck in the middle” never moved so fast.

I also realized I hadn’t prayed that earnestly – ever – or praised God so sincerely.

Psalm 107:27-32 captures the experience.

And these people right here can remind us it’s never too late to get started.

So, here’s my question for you:

What will it take for you to pray like your life depended upon it and to praise Jesus because He heard you? Reply and share it with me. I’d love to hear your story. I read every response.

Another Clutch Play: I’m challenging myself to double the reach of this ministry and would appreciate your help. Can you forward this newsletter regularly to a few people you know — in your household, workplace and church — and encourage them to subscribe? Thank you.

🧔🏻‍♂️For the men in your life. This is a good place for men to open up. I’ve been a part of this ministry to men for a while and highly recommend it.

🛐 How can I pray for you? Please let me know here.

📖 ICYMI. Monday 8pm (eastern) online Bible study & fellowship. Click this Zoom link a little before 8pm on Monday and you’ll be welcomed in!

📫 Forward this email to friends & family and encourage them to subscribe

♥️ Follow on Instagram | Facebook | Threads for more biblical encouragement.

👊🏼 Quick Favor? I’m attempting to double the reach of this newsletter. You can help. Can you forward this to a few people you care about-and encourage them to subscribe? Would you also help me spread the word by sharing BV2U to your social media? Thank you.

💬💡Feedback? Let me know how to improve BV2U or how it impacted you. Reply to this email or use [email protected]. I read every email.