May 7th
The Benefit of Friction
Years ago (like we are talking 1953) when I was in college I traveled each week to some church to preach. The Lord blessed me with speaking opportunities until I was called to my first church as pastor, as age 19.
During that time and even when I had my first church I traveled on many gravel roads in the back country of Louisiana. Even my first church was on such a road.
I did have many experiences. I will share one with you that has nothing to do with what I am writing about. Once I realized that there was not enough gas in the tank to get meto the next town where I knew there was an all night station. I came to a very small station that had two pumps. The station was closed. So I "milked" the pump, using the gas that was in the loop of the hose. I felt that between the two pumps there would be enough to add to what I had.
You stole it? Neal! NO, I left $1.00 in an envelope and put it through the crack between the two front door, explaining what I had done. (Does that make you feel better??) Some of you are "thinking" only a $1.00 - well remember times have changed from the $3.50 a gallon I paid last week (May, 2006) driving in from Los Angeles, Calif. USA.
But, now back to my point. In those many thousands of miles that I drove, I did have my share of flat tires. As a matter of fact, I think I had mine, plus yours. Also, more than once, I discovered that the air in my "spare tire" was not as it should be. It could have been more inflated. I ask myself why so. My logic reasoning mind says because the tire has not been on the road. How so?? The spare tire will lose its pressure faster because it is not in constant contact with the road.
So, here is my inflated message. Our life, if it is to keep up has to undergo some friction and tension. Now, while we do not like such, we must acknowledge that this maintains us. Paul put it this way in 2 Cor. 1:8
"We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about the hardships we suffered...We were under GREAT PRESSURE, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life..."He goes on to say that being under the pressure (like the tire on the road and situations in your life) they had to rely not on themselves, but ON GOD. That is where the rubber meets the road.
Let's pray
Lord for all the situations that are being faced by this dear friend, I ask that they realize that they are fulfilling a purpose. May this one have a good/right attitude toward those things that actually help them KEEP THE FAITH.
Amen