A Simple Car Purchase

Today, I noticed something for the first time since I made my car purchase in 2016. The thing was there the whole time, but today my eyes seemed to be opened to a new reality. Let me rewind a little to get you up to speed.

In 2016, I lived in Minnesota. I moved there to maintain a relationship. Yes, we were living together in sin. During that time, God was the furthest thing from my mind, so I viewed shacking up as a benefit. We split bills, so my expenses decreased by half. I could not be mad at that.

As you may already know, Minnesota is COLD during the winter. Winter in the south rarely comes close to what it is like there. The temperatures get lower than 0 degrees and the snow is high. However, they have street clearing down to a science, so nothing slows down. Nothing closes. Everyone is expected to continue business as usual. Needless to say, a vehicle capable of four-wheel drive was a necessity.

By September, I was ready to make my purchase. Before the new car, I owned a 2007 Toyota Corolla. It was great getting me through high school and college, but it was not about to get me through the upcoming Minnesota winter. Plus, I was ready for something new. I had my eyes on the 4x4 Jeep Renegade. I searched for the right one for months. I compared prices and even had some test drives.

At that time, USAA provided a car purchasing resource within their app. It was a great tool to have. I found several used cars that were within my budget. I cross checked with Kelly Blue Book to make sure that I had a good idea of what prices should be. I viewed identical cars within my surrounding area and ultimately found the dealership that would sell me my car. I was 24 years old at the time of my search, and this was going to be the first major purchase I made on my own. Car dealerships praying on naive women was at the back of my mind, so I made sure that my boyfriend accompanied me during my purchase.

Ultimately, everything went smoothly. I got the car for the price that was quoted on the USAA app and not the sticker price. There was only a small difference, but a win is a win! My boyfriend did not see any issue with how the deal went. I spoke to my dad about the deal, and he also did not see an issue. The deal was a good deal.

I was so happy to have the new car. Although it was used, it was still fairly new. It was a 2016 with excellent mileage. If there was anything that I could point out as a negative, it was that the car was branded. There was a small circular patch on the back of the car that read “Cornerstone Automotive.” I remember wishing that it was not there. I wished that I could remove it. After some time, it did not bother me as much.

Now we are up to speed. Today, I no longer live in Minnesota. I am no longer with the guy I was shacked up with. I am in a new city. I have been married for 4 years, and we have two beautiful children. I am now a believer and follower of Jesus Christ. Crazy enough, it was during my time in Minnesota that my relationship with God started. However, it was not until today that I looked at my car with different eyes.

“Cornerstone” has new meaning. Ephesians 2:20 NLT states “Together, we are his house, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus himself.” Christ is the cornerstone! Even before I knew who he was, he was with me! He was there all along. Even when I made the first biggest purchase of my life. Even when I was living in sin! Even before I was placed in my mother’s womb, he knew me. He knew I would get to this point. He was with me from the beginning, and I am so overjoyed to know that to be the truth.

I just looked back at the website for the dealership in Minnesota. This is what their mission is:

“Cornerstone Auto operates on Christian-based principles. We know of no better role model than Jesus Christ. The life He led inspires us. He made his relationship to people his top priority. It is our desire to do the same. The principles he taught are the foundation for our decisions. We respect the uniqueness of all people and we serve the Lord by treating employees and customers the way we would want to be treated, with honesty and integrity. We appreciate the opportunity to earn your business and serve you and your vehicle.”

– Cornerstone Automotive (Learn More About Us | Cornerstone Auto | New & Used Car Dealer)

God is so good. He is so gracious. He knows you more than you know yourself. He is patiently waiting for you if you do not know him. He died for YOUR sins and was raised from the dead. Do not go on any longer without having a relationship with him. If you do have a relationship, what a privilege it is to know him!

Let this post be a reminder that God is always with you. He never leaves you and is a part of your life even when you do not realize it. Thank you for your time today and I will see you in the next post!