Tuesday 23rd Sept., 2025
I was surprised to read on Facebook that, in 1895, long before highways and traffic jams, the entire state of Ohio had just two cars on the road. In a bizarre twist of fate, they managed to collide with each other, creating one of America’s earliest automobile accidents.
The story further says that back then, automobiles were still novelties, road rules didn’t exist, and most streets were designed for horses and carriages. Thankfully, the accident caused no major injuries, but it quickly entered the books as a quirky piece of transportation history.
This strange and odd event keeps me wondering about the possibility of such accidents. Though simple, yet it teaches us profound lessons for our Christian walk.
The first lesson I see there is that disorder can always lead to collisions. In 1895, there were no road rules, no traffic laws, and no systems for safe driving. The result was confusion, and a crash. The same is true in our spiritual and daily lives. Where there is no order or guidance, people stumble. Scripture says: “Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he” (Proverbs 29:18). And again: “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Psalm 119:105). God’s Word is our map and His Spirit our guide, lest we collide with destruction.
Secondly, the story is a pointer that accidents can happen even in unlikely places. The Bible reminds us: “Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall” (1 Corinthians 10:12). Even when dangers seem few and life appears calm, temptation and trials can still come unexpectedly. We must not become careless in our faith.
Thirdly, small beginnings can lead to greater journeys. That little accident was only the beginning of America’s road story. From those humble, awkward days grew one of the world’s largest transportation networks. Likewise, God often begins with small or even painful things to bring about greater purposes. “Though your beginning was small, yet your latter end should greatly increase” (Job 8:7). Never despise the day of small beginnings (Zechariah 4:10).
And lastly, the story is a reminder to stay watchful and prepared all the time. Even if there are only two “cars” on the road, wisdom demands caution. Jesus warned: “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matthew 26:41).
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8). Carelessness, even in a seemingly safe season, can still lead to a crash.
Beloved, life’s journey is like a road. Some days the traffic is heavy, some days it is empty. But whether few or many, whether slow or fast, we must live watchfully, guided by God’s Word and Spirit. For safety is not in the number of dangers but in the presence of wisdom.
“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:5–6).
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© The Inspirer
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