We often pray for God’s protection when we perceive a threat. Health scares, financial shortfalls, and heartache can send us to our knees, begging for God’s intervention.

Knowing we can call on Him and depend on His presence and strength is a comfort. His peace in these moments can be tangible, wrapping around us like a flannel blanket.

However, do you thank God for the unperceived disasters He protects you from? I’m doing that now, pretty much every day. I’ll explain why.

When I decided to purchase a new RAV4 in April of 2023, there were none on the dealership lot. My only option was to select the vehicle I wanted from those available for sale at other locations around the U.S., and it would be shipped. I made my choice, was given a paper with all the specs, and waited for delivery.

A few weeks later the salesman called to say my RAV4 had been delivered and would be ready for pick up the next day. Exercising due diligence, I called my insurance provider and added it to my policy. The spec sheet contained the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and all information needed to start coverage.

When I arrived to take possession of my new SUV, the salesman asked for proof of insurance. On my phone I showed him the card emailed by my provider. He glanced at it then sent me to another person to sign documents before I was free to drive away.

Days later I purchased a tag. Because my birthday was four months away, I was able to buy a renewal sticker good for 2024.

Since then, I’ve traveled many places in my adventure mobile, often carrying friends. The gas mileage is great, and I feel blessed. Little did I know there was a big problem.

The first clue was the letter I received from the DMV last month when they returned my check for mail-in tag renewal. This letter said they couldn’t renew my tag because I have no insurance.

“Ridiculous!” I declared. “An insurance payment is deducted from my account every month. There must be some mistake.”

When I took the letter and my insurance card to the DMV to renew my tag in person, the patient and astute clerk discovered the problem. The VIN listed on my insurance card did not match the VIN on the vehicle registration form, except for the first six numbers and letters.

I was shocked. I explained the purchasing procedure, and we both realized the RAV4 I took possession of was not the one I ordered. It was the same color with the same features detailed on the spec sheet I’d been given, but it was a different vehicle. The salesman didn’t tell me, and the first DMV clerk didn’t catch the discrepancy.

For over a year I’d been driving with no insurance. What’s more, I was actually paying for insurance on another RAV4 owned by someone I don’t even know.

I was able to resolve the issue that day. My insurance agent was understanding and took all the time necessary to update the VIN, notify DMV, and email me a new card. Her remark “VINs are important” was an understatement.

In this case, my effort to be fully insured before I drove off the lot could’ve cost me dearly. If I’d had an accident, my insurance company would’ve said, “We don’t insure that vehicle.”

While some kind people may credit my responsible driving for my lack of accidents, I need to remind you that distracted drivers are everywhere. Also, people who completely ignore the rules of a four-way stop. I had a few close calls while driving my brand new RAV4,

But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one.

2 Thessalonians 3:3

Once my insurance policy reflected the correct VIN, I had to stop myself from freaking out over catastrophes that could’ve happened. I have a fertile imagination, and it was taking me to dark places. By protecting me from an accident, God no doubt kept me from financial ruin and emotional trauma for which I’d probably need expensive therapy.

After I’d thanked God for the fiftieth time, I asked, “What am I supposed to do with this, Lord? I was so certain I was insured.”

Immediately God brought to my mind conversations I’d recently had with people who were certain about an issue that totally eclipses my lack of auto insurance.

There are people everywhere who firmly believe or sincerely hope they’ll go to heaven when they die. What do they cite as their evidence? Good things they’ve done. They’ll even talk about how well they treat others and how much they care, confident their good outweighs their bad.

God’s word is clear about the value of good works alone.

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of

yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.

Ephesians 2:8-9 (NKJV)

We can know for certain we belong to Him and will go to heaven because when we accept Jesus Christ as our Savior, He gives us the Holy Spirit to live in us and guide us. That’s not the only purpose of the Holy Spirit, though.

In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth,

  the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed,

you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is

the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the

purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.

Ephesians 1:13-14 (NKJV, emphasis mine)

The Holy Spirit in us guarantees our eternal future, like a holy VIN. We don’t have to renew our salvation, either, and we’ll never lose it.  

And I give them eternal life and they shall never perish; neither

shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.

John 10:28 (NKJV)

Will we sin? Absolutely. Even with the Holy Spirit living in us, we inhabit demanding human bodies with selfish human minds. When I’m aggravated, it can be a battle to keep my mind fixed on things that are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, and of good report (Philippians 4:8). The Apostle Paul clearly understood this conflict.

For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires

of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each

other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.

Galatians 5:17 (ESV)

Anyone who’s been on a diet or battled procrastination or laziness can relate to these words. Difficult people or situations can also bring out the worst in us. That’s why I’m so thankful for 1 John 1:9 (NKJV)

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us

our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

I’m also thankful for the lessons God continues to teach me. To be sure, I’ll verify the VINs of any future vehicles I purchase. That being said, if a human error shines a spotlight on God’s goodness and protection, it’s worth any discomfort because He is glorified.