About a week ago I was running errands and decided I’d stop and fill up the van with gas. I’m trucking along when I get a whiff of something that doesn’t smell like regular gas. I look over and realize that I have just put a half a tank of diesel fuel in our car! (Yes, the nozzle fit in easily. That’s seems to be what everyone wants to know!) Now being a newer driver, I decided this probably wasn’t good for the car but didn’t know how bad the damage was. So I headed home to find out just what diesel fuel would do to a vehicle. Well, as I’m driving home the van starts making some very shady noises and then the check engine light comes on. By now I’m freaking out and praying,” Lord Jesus help me!” I could not get home soon enough! Upon my arrival I sheepishly announced the bad news. Good thing I have very gracious, understanding parents!! 🙂 One tow-truck, a flushed gas tank, a new tank of premium and $340.00 dollars later, the van was fine.
This event reminded me of how we as humans can often run on the wrong kind of fuel. Like some new drivers, we don’t know the damage we are doing to ourselves by running on the wrong power source. Even though we may think we are helping ourselves, the damage can be a whole lot worse than $340.00 dollars and few days in the shop. As Christ followers our main power source should be Jesus Christ. But a lot of the time we are running on many, other not-so-efficient fuels. Whether they be drugs and alcohol, hobbies, family, or our own strength, God calls us to give up these things and rely solely on Him. Not only that, but you’ll find that you can go a lot farther and whole lot faster with Jesus running you.
Ivy
P.S -I am being pressed to mention (I won’t say by whom) that I have a most, gracious earthly father who, in the described scenario above, acted very much like Jesus. 🙂
Oh Ivy…what a great lesson you have given us today! I’m PUMPED to put this into action! So thankful the lesson learned had such a favorable outcome, as things could have been so much worse!!! Great blessings being poured down upon you and your BLESSED family! Love and prayers! Running on FULL…
IVY,
Thank you for your openess and story. Learning from our “Opportunites that life presents us” is part of growing up. Actually James says we should consider it “Pure Joy” when we face trials……., because the testing of our faith, produces perseverance…. (James 1:2-4) Your parents truely are gracious. Ivy it was great seeing you and your “baby sister”. God is GOOD. IT IS TRUELY ALL GOOD. Phil 4:4-9
In Christ,
Mr. Steve
Ivy, thanks for that great reminder, and what a perfect example! I have always found that the diesel fuel nozzle is green, and the gas nozzles are black – until I stopped a station the other day and the colors were reversed! (I think it was a BP). I had to recheck my assumptions – maybe that goes along with your life lesson too.
I also appreciated your comment about your gracious Dad – it provided much needed “medicine for the soul!”
Love,
Lolo (or should I say LOLo 🙂
Dear Ivy,
I LOVE this analogy! I love how God is always teaching us about Him through things such as this–we just have to be willing to take notice. My husband is the FCA representative where we live–he and I both do weekly FCA devotionals with a few different sports’ teams and we are always looking for great examples like this that teach us about God. If you don’t mind 🙂 , we may use this example this week!
Our family lives in Paducah (far West KY)–daily we pray for you all. Your family is impacting so many people around the country, especially through this blog so please, keep sharing your stories!
My Ivy girl!! I’m always petrified I’m going to do the same thing and I’m a much older driver. You’re reflection is priceless
Ivy C., Although some may think that you just handed out $340-worth of advice, I think it is invaluable! Way to turn diesel fuel into gold. You bought a fresh realization of “garbage in, garbage out.” So good to hear from my 2nd-oldest grand. Maybe a nice foot massage would indicate your true sorrow to your gracious earthly father. After all, he has been filling your spiritual tank with the very best fuel for a long time. Love you so much, mini-me. Thanks for the high-test blog.
Well Said, Miss Ivy !!
A great Analogy ! Prayers for you and your Family ! Thank you for Blessing Us. And you really do have an earthly Father who walks like Jesus!
Love and Blessings to All, Ci-Ci Russell
What a great story. And so well written Ivy! I have first hand experience of your Dad being Jesus-like. Tell him I said hello. Page and I miss you all so much. Love you all, praying for you. Kevin
Wow, lots to be grateful for. If you were driving a diesel engine car and put regular gas in it, you’d be looking at a new engine. So, definitely a blessing! And gracious parents. 🙂