I’ve shared before that, along with my Bible reading and prayer every morning, I read several daily devotionals, including God Is With You Every Day by Max Lucado. Max Lucado is a master with words. The Lord has certainly gifted him with the ability to clearly communicate spiritual truths. The entry for June 21, just yesterday, is entitled Simple Oil Changes and is based on Mark 10:27, “Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible.’”
When I was fifteen years old, I inherited a Rambler station wagon from my big brother. It wasn’t much to look at, but it was mine.
“You have to keep gas in the tank,” Dad advised.
“I know.”
“Air in the tires.”
“I know.”
“Can you change the oil and keep the car washed?”
“Of course I can,” I lied. My ineptness surfaced the following Saturday. It was time to change the oil in the Rambler.
“You want me to help you?” Dad asked.
I should have said yes. Instead I spent an hour looking for the oil pan and another hour wrestling with the plug. I finally removed it, drained the oil, crawled out, and poured in five new quarts. Finished at last. Or so I thought. Dad was waiting for me in the garage.
“All done?”
“All done.”
“Then what is that?”
He pointed to a river of oil running down the driveway—clean oil. I’d forgotten to replace the plug.
“Son, I fix things for a living. What is hard for you is simple to me. Let me help you. I’m a mechanic. And, besides, I’m your dad.”
Here is what I think: our toughest challenges are simple oil changes to God.
How often has our pride gotten us into trouble? How often have we tried to handle a difficulty ourselves? We think we can handle a problem when it is clear we cannot. We need to run to our Heavenly Father with every problem, no matter how great or how small. He is lovingly and patiently waiting to help us!
This Sunday, June 27, we will be challenged by the wonderful truth that God is in the business of making us Braver, not Safer. Will you step up in Faith? Or sit back and be Comfortable? Please don’t miss it!
If you are not able to join us in-person in the building at 10:35am for the worship service, please join us Online for the Live broadcast on Facebook (Search: Honolulu AG). The recording will also be uploaded later that day to our website (honoluluag.org) and YouTube channel (Search: Honolulu Assembly of God).
Our annual Freedom Celebration and BBQ will be happening on Sunday, July 4. Ono-licious teri-burgers, hot dogs, buns and ice cream will be provided. Just bring your favorite picnic side dishes: mac salad, potato salad, fruit salad, green salad, baked beans, sushi, chips, etc. Broke da mouth! Please mark your calendar and don’t miss it!
Aloha and Aloha ke Akua!