Contributed by JuLi Yeo • Sep 10, 2023
On August 8th, 2023, with the grace and protective hand of God, I narrowly escaped a potentially embarrassing incident that could have easily made headlines. Imagine the scenario: “Condominium Engulfed in Flames Due to Chicken Soup Mishap.” Thankfully, such a headline didn’t become my reality.
Life had been particularly hectic, with business matters and an ever-growing to-do list dominating my thoughts. One morning, in the midst of my whirlwind routine, I made a grave oversight. I had heated up a pot of chicken soup for breakfast and left it simmering on the stove. Lost in my tasks, I hurriedly left my apartment for a meeting, neglecting to turn off the fire.
Looking back, there are three specific blessings for which my heart overflows with gratitude, and all three are a testament to divine intervention.
Firstly, my usually absent neighbour happened to be at home during that fateful hour. This stroke of luck, or perhaps divine orchestration, meant that they noticed thick smoke and the acrid scent of burning emanating from my kitchen exhaust. Despite the reduced visibility, they immediately took action and alerted the building management.
Secondly, during the important meeting I was engrossed in, I noticed incoming calls on my phone. This was especially remarkable because I had left it on silent mode. The persistent alerts captured my attention, prompting me to check my phone and discover the crisis unfolding back home.
Lastly, my office was located a considerable 40-minute drive away from my condominium. As if by divine foresight, I had neglected to lock my kitchen door before dashing out. This oversight played a crucial role in the unfolding events. The building management, alerted by my neighbour, could access my unit without resorting to breaking down the door, thereby averting potential additional damage.
Through this incident, I was gently reminded of the unwavering anchor of my hope – God. Regardless of where I find myself on life’s journey, He remains my refuge. The scripture from Psalm 42:5 resonates deeply within me during these moments:
“Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Saviour and my God.”
This incident, though humbling, has etched in my heart the importance of entrusting all aspects of my life to the divine providence that guides and protects, even when the perils are as unexpected as chicken soup on a stove.