The other day I was running out of gas and with gas prices skyrocketing I passed up opportunities to get gas, trying to convince myself the prices I was seeing had to be a fluke and I'd find cheap gas somewhere. I headed for my tried and true gas station where the prices are usually good and I get an additional discount with my card. The gas prices I saw along the way were scary but I had faith my gas station would not let me down. When I finally arrived I was horrified to see the sign at "my station" was higher than the stations I had passed. How could this be? I considered going back to a station near my home that had posted a cheaper price, but I reasoned that the station near me might be watering down their gas. "My station" had consistently offered the best prices; surely they were giving me the best price possible for quality gas. I felt a certain loyalty to them. I reluctantly pulled into the empty gas station only to discover that the gas was several cents cheaper than the price on the sign! That never happens - gas marked higher than the actual price.

I was delighted and meditated on this as I filled my tank. I had faith in the gas station despite the signs, because of my history with them. Because they'd been "good to me" I was willing to trust them. Well how much better has God been to me? Yet I had gotten to a point where I was ready to give up on some of God's promises. It's not that I didn't believe God could still do it (although it did look bad); like the gas prices it didn't seem like a good deal. It no longer seemed like what God was offering was something I even wanted. It didn't seem worth the trouble/effort. All signs indicated this was not going to be desirable. But just as I was willing to trust the gas station I must be willing to trust God - despite what I see. I have to have a faith that supersedes what I see and even what I feel. When things get bad a lot of people walk away from God. [John 6:66] A lot of people look for other options. Offers come that seem like a better deal. I was glad to be part of a small remnant at the gas station getting the best deal. God's Beloved I pray that you will persevere to the end, regardless of the signs or your weariness, so that you will receive what God has promised; and discover that it is indeed good.