Friday, March 15, 2013

By: Rachelle Hitt Bilbo

Driving on Empty

Isaiah 40:29 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.

I have been so busy this week that I literally did not have time to tank up my car. I parked my car in my driveway with a digital reading that said "2 miles" remaining.

The next day, I anxiously drove to the gas station. The reading was now "0 miles." I felt a little jerk just as I eased into an available pump. Phew, I made it...barely!

This experience reminded me of a 12 hour road trip with my dad. When the orange low fuel light appeared, he broke out the owner's manual to see how far we could drive on empty! This is the same man who, on another trip with my mom when they first got married, made her order two value meals at McDonalds so that they didn't have to stop twice on their journey!

Have you ever been there in this fast paced world? You speedily go along through life and even when the "warning" signs appear, you continue to see just how far you could go on "E". You feel the pressures and weight on your shoulders to perform, and you fail to take care of yourself?

Today's verse reminds us that when we feel like we can't go anymore, God will give us the power (fuel) we need to go on. The problem that we have though is that we don't stop to refuel. We continue to drive--empty and exhausted--and ultimately, we begin to sputter like that car engine until we are unable to fulfill our purpose at all.

I challenge you today NOT to wait until that orange light comes on. Don't even wait until you are at a quarter or even half of a tank. Keep your spiritual tank topped off at all times!

Make it a point to daily fuel up on God's word and spend time receiving power through Him in prayer.

2 Timothy 4:2 challenges us to be "prepared in season and out." By taking time to consistently tank up on God's power, you will always be ready for the journey that lies ahead.

Dear Lord, I thank You that You are always there waiting for me to fuel up on Your love and power. I can always come to You, and in those times when I feel like I can't go anymore, You are always there to get me on my way again.

I thank You Jesus for dying for me. I believe that You are Lord and that God raised You from the grave so that I can have eternal life. In the Name of Jesus I pray, Amen.