When the Warp Drive Fails: Lessons from a Broken-Down Car

Today, my car broke down on the expressway to Brisbane. It was an unexpected and frustrating experience, but as I sat there waiting for help, I couldn’t help but reflect on the parallels between our cars and our lives. One of my teachers once said she wanted to write a book on this very topic, but she passed away in 2017 before she had the chance. It’s always been my intention to explore this idea, and today gave me the perfect opportunity to do so.

The Breakdown

I was driving safely, as I always do, saying my usual prayers for protection on a long trip and listening to some music. I was on my way to meet a bishop in the Anglican Church, a meeting I had been looking forward to for weeks. I had prayed for God to bless the appointment, but as it turned out, the appointment never happened—or did it?

Just like the Starship Enterprise losing its warp drive, my car suddenly lost all power. No steering, no acceleration—nothing. I was stranded in the middle of the highway. It was a scary moment, but I kept praying, trusting that somehow, everything would work out. And it did, though not in the way I expected.

Angels on the Highway

As I waited for roadside assistance, which was going to take hours, a kind man named Tony appeared. He lived nearby and offered me food, water, and even helped me find the best and cheapest tow truck. He placed a witches hat near my car to keep it safe and stayed with me until help arrived. Tony even let me use his phone to call the tow truck company, though he had to adjust the settings because his phone was connected to his hearing aid. In that moment, I couldn’t help but think: was this man an angel in disguise? Or was God working through him to help me hear Him more clearly?

Not long after, a traffic control officer named Jaye arrived. He was part of the incident response team and offered me water, kindness, and even tried to jump-start my car. These strangers, who had no obligation to help me, showed me incredible generosity and compassion. It reminded me of some scripture last week’s sermon at St Margaret's: “Blessed are the poor, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” In my moment of need, I saw a glimpse of heaven through these people.

All around me, as I waited in the garden beside where I had pulled over, butterflies danced in the air—delicate, vibrant, and full of life. They seemed to be everywhere, fluttering softly as if carrying whispers of something greater. I’ve been seeing them for days now, and they follow me wherever I go, like gentle messengers of hope. In their presence, I felt a profound sense of peace, as though they were a sign—a reminder of transformation, renewal, and the ever-present hand of God in my life.

Amid the chaos of the day, my calling to the church felt magnified, resonating louder and clearer than of recent times. It was as if the butterflies themselves carried the voice of God, urging me to listen, to trust, and to embrace the path He has laid before me. Even in the uncertainty and frustration, I could feel His presence in every moment, speaking to my heart and strengthening my resolve.

A Divine Appointment

Though I never made it to my meeting with the bishop, I realised that perhaps this was the appointment God had planned for me all along. Tony and Jaye were part of a divine encounter, teaching me about humility, gratitude, and the importance of community. Before I left, I gave Tony a book I had written titled Revitalizing Christianity and prayed with him for his health. I may never see him again, but I will always be grateful for his help.

Eventually, the tow truck arrived, and I made my way to a local mechanic. From there, I took an Uber to St. John’s Cathedral, where I spent some time in prayer. I was stressed and tired, but a familiar face, Rev'd Selina McMahon, lifted my spirits with a joke about baking a cake. It was a small moment, but it reminded me of the importance of lifting others up, just as I had been lifted up earlier that day.

Reflections on the Journey

As I reflect on the day, I can’t help but see the parallels between our cars and our lives. Just like my car, sometimes we break down. Sometimes we lose power, direction, or control. Maybe we’re going too fast, metaphorically speaking, or heading in the wrong direction. Maybe we’re trying to “bake the cake” of our lives too quickly, rushing through the process instead of letting things unfold in God’s time.

But in those moments of breakdown, we are reminded of the importance of slowing down, asking for help, and trusting in God’s plan. We are reminded that even when things don’t go as we expect, there is grace to be found in the kindness of strangers, the support of friends, and the quiet moments of prayer.

This week, my goal is to pay it forward—to be the kind of person who lifts others up, just as Tony, Jaye, and Selina lifted me up. Tony’s generosity, Jaye’s compassion, and Selina’s english humour reminded me of the power of kindness and the way God works through people to bring light into our lives. I am deeply grateful for each of them and the roles they played in turning a difficult day into a lesson in faith, humility, and love.

In any case, one thing is clear: the journey of life, like the journey on the road, is full of unexpected detours. But with faith, kindness, and a little help from others, we can always find our way.

May the road ahead be guided by grace,

And in every detour, may we find our place.

When the journey falters and the path seems unclear,

May kindness and faith always draw us near.

Bless the hands that lift us when we fall,

And the strangers who answer the unspoken call.

May we walk with patience, with hearts open wide,

Trusting the divine to always provide.

As we travel through life, with its twists and bends,

May we see each moment as a gift that mends.

And when the warp drive fails, may we still find our way,

Through the light of love and the hope of a new day.

Amen.