THE MYSTERIOUS TRAFFIC COP
"Can you fathom the mysteries of God?"  Job 11:7

      As I sat huddled with a group of Bible courier teammates in the back seat of a taxi at 1:00 am in Beijing, China, it soon became obvious that our driver did not have a clue where to find our designated hotel.  This caused me to fervently pray to God for help.

      We had arrived in Beijing from Canton very late in the evening, in fact, it was nearing midnight when we assembled in the lobby or our assigned hotel.

      You can imagine our disappointment to discover that the hotel manager refused to honor our reservations, stating that they no longer did business with our travel agency.  This was aggravating, to say the least.  We were weary and longed only for a bed to sleep in and catch up on some needed rest.

      Since the hotel clerk refused us lodging, our leader insisted they find us another hotel.  While our leader argued with the hotel manager the rest of us sprawled about the lobby on the floor or chairs surrounded by our luggage.  We were, indeed, a sorry sight.  Although we were bone-weary, we began praying desperately for God to help us out of this predicament.  It was difficult to stay awake since it was already midnight, and we were fast approaching total discouragement.

      Finally, after many phone calls, a hotel that would take us was procured.  We piled into taxis and proceeded down so many streets it was becoming obvious that our driver was lost.  As I sat there in the back seat, I was beginning to wonder if we would ever get any sleep that night.  I prayed more fervently than ever, "Oh God, You see our driver is lost.  Please direct him to our hotel."

      To my shock and amazement, at that very moment a big burly uniformed traffic cop, appeared in the middle of the dark street.

      In my mind's eye, I can still see him, a rather large man dressed in a uniform consisting of dark trousers, a spotless white coat adorned with a bright red bandolier, and wearing equally spotless white gloves.

      Our driver rolled the window down and said something to the traffic cop who then lifted his arm in a firm gesture, pointing to the right, whereupon the driver took us directly to our hotel.

      What struck me as strange was that he looked so out of place on this dark, deserted street, far from any busy thoroughfare.  I mumbled to myself, "There are no traffic cops out in the  middle of the night directing traffic, especially on a dark deserted street.  That must be an angel God has sent in answer to my prayer."

      Thought I could not say anything to my teammates because of our strict code of silence regarding our mission, I had difficulty keeping a lid on my excitement at seeing an immediate answer to my prayers.  There is not a shred of doubt in my mind.  I believe the immaculately attired, burly traffic cop was an angel sent by God.

      Later, before I drifted off to sleep in that bleak hotel room I prayed quietly, "Oh Lord! What a mighty God You are, to care about some weary travelers in a far off land.  your loving kindness is too wonderful for me to comprehend.  Thank you, Dear Lord."

      My trust in the faithfulness of God took a giant leap forward that night, you can be sure.