He Helped Me Stay Awake
Sometimes God's help shows up in the most ordinary moments.
This one’s a little different than what I usually write, but it’s been on my heart—and I think maybe someone needs to read it.
It was a last-minute decision—but those often turn out to be the ones that matter most.
Friday afternoon, we made a choice to drive to Middle Tennessee where my mom is building her new home. Because early Saturday morning, the concrete was scheduled to be poured for her foundation and porch. I had wanted to be there—but after just returning from a trip, we weren’t sure if it was wise to go.
Terry and I went back and forth, wondering if we should. I told him, “We won’t regret it. And Mom will be so happy.”That helped settle it in our hearts—we were going.
We stayed to help clean up after the youth singing evening, which meant we didn’t get home until just before 10:00 p.m. The kids were packed except for Nik, and I still had to get everything ready, load up, and brace myself for a night drive—something that’s always a challenge for me.
I prayed a simple prayer as we pulled out of the driveway:
“Lord, help me stay awake until I don’t need to anymore.”
Driving at night is usually really hard for me. I get sleepy fast. But that night was different. I put in one earbud and listened to music almost the whole way to our exit near Lobelville—almost five hours away.
And I stayed awake. Not just barely. Not white-knuckling it. But calmly, steadily, alert enough to keep going without ever really struggling.
God answered. Clearly and kindly.
He didn’t make it obvious to anyone else—but I knew. He gave me peace, presence, and the focus I needed to keep going.
Later, I told my family that I had asked God to help me. It felt important for them to know. Because sometimes we forget how real and near His help can be—even in something as ordinary as a night drive.
I wanted Terry to be able to rest so he could help the next morning. I drove the whole way. It wasn’t my intention to do that, but every time he asked if I was okay, I told him I felt fine—and I truly did. He was happy to let me drive for once. He usually does most of the driving when we travel.
When we pulled into the gas station near our exit, I got out to stretch and could feel the tiredness finally seeping in. I was more than happy to slide into the passenger seat. The next thing I remember was the turn into our Airbnb driveway. It was after 3:00 a.m.
That next day, we got to surprise my mom. We followed the cement truck in.
It was such a good day.
And I’ve thought about that night more than once this week—how God helps us, even in the small things. How faithful He is to answer the simplest of prayers.