It would have been easy for Teresa Clarke to get discouraged and pitch the whole idea. She had failed her driving test 12 times over the past 27 years—never managing to get her license. During that time, she spent more than $25,000 on 450 hours of driving instruction.

But Teresa got behind the wheel again last summer and passed test number 13! The woman from Wroxham, England, now can finally drive wherever she chooses.

In 2 Samuel 22, we read about David and how he could have been driven to discouragement because of “all his enemies” (v.1). His adversaries were many and varied. Some were human (Goliath, Saul, Absalom, the Philistines), and some were personal struggles (backsliding, lust). He had failed many times (Psalm 51:3-4), but his hope was found in a faithful God (v.26) who could dispel his darkness with holy light (v.29).

The song found in 2 Samuel 22 (also presented nearly verbatim in Psalm 18) highlights the character of God—who He is. Israel’s king could write these words of victory, for the truly Victorious One had proved to be a shield (v.31), rock (v.32), and fortress (v.33) for him and his people. David was able to overcome discouragement because he took his eyes off himself and focused them on the One of whom he wrote, “Who is God except the Lord?” (v.32). That same God helps us overcome enemies and personal failures today and forever. As Paul wrote, “The Lord will deliver me from every evil attack and will bring me safely into His heavenly kingdom” (2 Timothy 4:18).

Teresa Clarke knows this truth. When asked why she wanted to drive, her first words were, “I’m looking forward to taking people to church.” She wants more people to know the One who has “made a wide path” (v.37) for her—helping her steer clear of discouragement.