The Bolt

by Jane Sherwin

One day, as I was backing my car out of the garage, I noticed a single bolt lying where I had been parked. That was puzzling. I stopped the car, picked up the bolt, and laid it on a nearby workbench, wondering why it was there—and what it might have come from.

A day later . . .

While driving into town to run some errands, I noticed it felt like one of my tires was low on air. I pulled over and checked all four tires—none appeared low. I continued with my errands, assuming the cold December weather was affecting the tire pressure. After several stops I headed back home. The steering now seemed a little loose, which was another strange thing. But otherwise, the car seemed to be running fine.

Now, you need to know that my old car was a Buick LeSabre. It had a large trunk to carry my work supplies, and it had never been driven in winter—only stored and used in the summer by its previous owner. It seemed to be in good shape, and I believe God had provided that car for me. 

Later that afternoon, as I was doing things around the house, I kept feeling prompted to call my mechanic about the bolt and the odd steering. I was busy and tried to dismiss the thought—but it just wouldn’t go away. Again and again I felt impressed to make the call.

So I said to the Lord, “OK—if I call the mechanic and he tells me to bring the car in, I’ll do it. But if he says I can wait a few days, I’ll know it’s nothing serious.”

When I called and shared my concerns, he surprised me by saying, “Bring the car right in!” That caught me off guard. He’s usually laid-back and not easily alarmed.

So I drove into town. The steering still felt “off,” but I made it to the shop. When I arrived, I was told my mechanic had just left—I had seen him driving out with a load of metal on a flatbed trailer. What? I had just talked to him, and he said to come right in . . . and now he was gone?

I explained everything to the other mechanic and showed him the bolt I had found. He said he hadn’t spoken to his colleague and didn’t know anything about my situation.

He was doubtful he had an available lift to raise my car, but said he’d go check. I handed him my keys and figured I’d wait while they replaced the bolt—then I’d be on my way . . . or so I thought.

As I waited, a neighbor came into the shop, looking for my mechanic (who was still out). We chatted briefly, and then he walked into the garage.

Later the neighbor returned and asked, “Do you need a ride home?” 

I was confused. “No,” I said, “I don’t think it will take that long to fix.” So we sat and talked some more.

Eventually the other mechanic returned. I asked, “Are you done?” He replied, “Yes, you’re done.”

“What does that mean?” I asked. He said, “You’d better come with me.”

We walked to the back of the garage where my car was up on the lift. What he showed me was astonishing: The entire rear wheel axle had rusted out and was on the verge of collapsing.

I asked him about the bolt. He said it had nothing to do with the issue. In fact, he didn’t know what it belonged to, but he was sure it wasn’t from my car.

He told me I should be thankful the roads had been clear of snow—because had the axle given way in winter conditions, I could have easily had an accident.

In that moment I was overwhelmed. I truly believe God had placed that mystery bolt under my car to prompt me to investigate—and ultimately protect me from danger.

As for my neighbor? I now believe God sent him ahead to be there for me. He was still waiting and ended up driving me to my husband’s office and then taking me home.

God cares about the big and little things in our lives. He’s always watching out for us. And if we’re willing to listen to His still small voice—those quiet promptings—He will direct and guide us. That’s how we stay in the center of His will every single day.

By the way, within 48 hours God led me to a new car I could afford—a newer model, with extra things I needed, and in the exact color I’d always wanted! Isn’t He a wonderful God?