Greetings
It has been quite some time since the last post ... However, I had to take a moment this morning to share something.
This is a picture of
my instrument panel … while I was driving yesterday
The first time it happened was about three years
ago. So, when it happened again yesterday, I took a picture when I stopped at the
red light.
Now, despite the fact that I need to get the vehicle
checked to find out why it periodically does this, there is a spiritual element
which has been impressed upon my heart and serves as a reminder each time it
occurs.
This instrument panel [but for the red line
indicating that the vehicle is in ‘Drive’] looks EXACTLY as it looks when the
vehicle is turned off and parked.
It looks the same … but it is not the
same … because the vehicle was running.
So today I wanted to take time to touch upon each
section of this instrument panel and its spiritual implications for those who
may be experiencing some frustration in their life journey.
TEMPERATURE – The vehicle I was driving indicated that the car was
‘COLD’ although it had been running for no less than thirty minutes.
Spiritually, this is what happens in life at times. Have you ever played the ‘Hot/Cold Game’ when you were a child? Well, the premise of the game is that something is hidden and you have to search it out. Further, there is one person who knows where the item is hidden and will help direct your steps by indicating whether you are ‘cold’ [which would be a good distance from the sought after item], ‘getting warmer’ [which would indicate that you are moving in the right direction] or ‘hot’ [letting you know that it is precisely where you are].
Well, there are times in each of our lives when all evidence that can be
seen with the eyes would appear to indicate that we are ‘COLD’ or a great
distance from where God would have us or from attaining the purpose that He has
for us. But this is not so. Scripture tells us that man looks on the outward appearance but God looks at the heart. (I Sam. 16:7) Well, if we are to successfully navigate these seas called life, we must follow suit. We cannot look at the outside appearance of a situation, but must look deeper at the heart of the matter to what truth is revealed. We cannot use situations to determine where we are in life. We must seek the presence of God and read the Word of God to maintain an accurate perspective of where we are in life.
SPEED – With the gauges reflecting zero, any driver would have to guess at how
fast they are traveling. Some may end up driving too fast while others may slow down,
fearful that they are driving too fast. It might also give an unsuspecting
viewer of this photo the impression that the vehicle was not moving at all.
This is what occurs spiritually. Situations and
circumstances will attempt to convince you that nothing is working – that there
is no forward motion – no momentum. However, you cannot rely on what is seen.
The LORD is ever working on behalf of His people. II Chronicles 16:9 states
that His eyes roam to and fro throughout the earth looking for opportunities to
show Himself strong on behalf of those whose hearts are loyal to Him. He is
working … even when you cannot see it or perceive it. And He will even step out
of His standard operating procedures to bless you and bring about His plans and
purpose. Jesus did this in the book of John when the Pharisees were angry with
Him for healing someone on the Sabbath. And I love Jesus’ response: ‘My Father
has been working until now, and I too am working.’ John 5:17
Jesus let them know,
in no uncertain terms that He and the Father are one … one LORD, one GOD, one
KING - and that they are continuously working. It was true back then and holds true today. Therefore, we must reject the messages [visual
or verbal] that state that He has stopped working in our lives, that there is
no activity. He is always working.
FUEL – Being unable to determine how much fuel is in a vehicle can produce a degree of anxiety. As you try to determine how much fuel has been
used and how much is left, it can become the deciding factor in whether you
continue on your journey.
Spiritually, there are instances where all evidence
would seem to indicate that we do not have what it takes to pursue the plans
and purposes of God. There are voices and circumstances which scream: ‘You will never make it.’ ‘You will never overcome.’ ‘You are not strong enough.’ And all
those statements might be true if we were solely dependent upon our own
strength. But, we have One living on the inside, giving us all the energy,
wisdom and drive to accomplish His will for our lives.
“But you belong to God, my dear children. You
have already won a victory … because the Spirit who lives in you is greater
than the spirit who lives in the world." I John 4:4
“In all these things we are more than
conquerors through Him who loved us.” Romans 8:37
MILEAGE – While this is not critical to driving, if not working properly, it can be
a frustration. For those drivers who have not made the technological transition
to a GPS, the mileage counter becomes a much needed accessory when following a
map/directions with mileage indicators.
Spiritually, there are circumstances that arise
which would try to convince us that we have not made any progress; that we are
not very far from where we began and nowhere close to where we need to be. This
too is a deception. The apostle Paul understood this completely and was
determined not to have his perspective ruled by his experiences. He recognized
that he may not be all that he needs to be, but that he was no longer what he
was. He had made progress [traveled some miles] and he was still making progress.
The Message Version states it best: “I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I
am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out
for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in
all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us
onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back”
Philippians 3:13-14
Interestingly enough, once this little object lesson was over, the instrument panel went back to normal. So what is ultimate point that I feel God was
conveying [and what I believe He wanted me to share with you] is this?
We must walk by faith and not by sight. II
Corinthians 5:7
You have come farther than you realize, you are
closer than you think, God is still working on your behalf and He has imbued
you with unimaginable strength.
Have a Tremendously Blessed Day!