Before the start of the Dan Lowry 400 at Richmond, I prayed for Denny Hamlin. This wasn't unusual. I do it every week. I ask God to keep him safe, to protect him on the track, to give him patience and wisdom, to help his crew to do their best and to keep them safe during pit stops. But this week I prayed that God help him to win in front of his hometown crowd and that it somehow be a reflection of His love for Denny.
From the time the green flag waved, Denny was on fire. Every time someone would get close to taking the lead, I prayed and Denny pulled away. Pit stops were incredible, just flawless. I asked for protection for that #11 car every time the caution flag waved. At one point, Denny encountered so much smoke I was really worried. He came through with flying colors, not even scratched. With 60 some laps to go, the announcers began to discuss the need to pit with about 50-48 laps to go. I begged God to somehow cause a caution, with all those damaged race cars surely there could be debris on the track. Then to my delight Casey Mears and Michael Waltrip got together. I was not happy to see that they crashed, but I was screaming "Thank You God".
Everything looked set for Denny to take the race without so much as a challenge. Then the unthinkable happened. A cut tire. A penalty for intentionally causing a caution. 24th place and 3 laps down. I cried like a baby and was in shock. I couldn't believe it. All I could ask is why?
In a post race interview Denny said that God didn't want him to win at Richmond. I knew that was my answer. Maybe if Denny had won he wouldn't have mentioned God at all, but since he was disappointed with his loss he accepted that it simply wasn't God's will for him. So, while I still don't like that Denny didn't win...I am at peace with it all. So, say what you want about Denny Hamlin but I'm proud of him and will pray for him the same way, week after week. Win or lose, I'm on his side and looking out for him. God Bless You Denny! Good Luck in Darlington!!!
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