I went out to my car to drive to preschool drop off and then work. I entered the car, pressed the start button, and hear, “chu chu chu.” That’s strange. I tried again. “Chu chu chu.” Seriously?! I have places to be! Come on God, help me out here! Never mind, I’ll figure this out on my own. Maybe I need a jump? I contact a few neighbors to see if anyone is home so I can use their car for a jump. Two eventually come out with a battery and cables, but a jump was unsuccessful. I called a tow truck and my neighbor graciously let me borrow her car to at least get my son to preschool.
A few hours later our mechanic calls. He filled the gas tank with five gallons and that’s what it took to make the car turn on. Really?! Now, I’m a mom of four with activities, school, work, appointments, and errands to get to. Was my tank on 0? No! Was my gas light on? Of course. But I had 27 miles left to empty -- enough to turn my car on and get to the gas station, and further, in my opinion!
But that was my opinion, my expertise, my plan. Not God’s.
I was embarrassed, frustrated, and in disbelief. It didn’t make sense. But then I saw a parallel to our spiritual lives. We do not have to have an empty spiritual “tank” before we feel the effects. I feel it most in summer: Vacations and trips preventing Sunday church, no routine, lack of a weekly group study and less time being in God’s Word and prayer. But God doesn’t teach us to take the summer off from Him. I know I certainly feel my best when my focus is on Him.
He is what fuels our tanks. When we forget what He’s done, when we forget to turn to Him or we seek others first, isn’t that when we run on empty? We make all of these excuses: I must feel this way because of this or because that happened or because that person messed up. When in reality what we need is a little more God. What we need is to turn to Him. To seek His will.
Psalm 105: 2-5 says, “Sing to Him, sing praise to Him; tell of all his wonderful acts. Glory in His holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice. Look to the LORD and His strength; seek His face always.”
How often do I think I know best, not spending consistent time studying Scripture, seeking others’ guidance instead?
With grace and mercy, God reaches out first. He reminds us before our tanks are empty. He shines the gas light. He calls us back with open arms, and we learn to lean on Him to get us through. In the chaos of summer, let Him in. He’s got us!
In Matthew 6:31-34 Jesus says, “So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ Or ‘What shall we drink?’ Or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first His kingdom and righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
There are ways we can use and prioritize our time to keep deepening our relationship with God and His people. Keep Sunday church a priority. Serve in the children’s ministry. Do your own devotional or study (I’ve been enjoying Lisa Terkeurst). YouVersion Bible app has great studies that you can also do with friends.
Willowdale Women has an upcoming Graze and Gather event at our Jennersville campus on July 31. Register here. Also keep an eye out for our groups that start back up in September -- Women’s Bible Studies, MomCo, and our Wednesday night Core Courses for all adults!
What do you do in the summer months to stay connected to God when schedules are different? Comment below!
ABOUT THE BLOGGER:
A former teacher, coach and personal trainer, Kristin Ryan now loves being a stay-at-home mom. As someone who has more recently found Christianity, she enjoys learning and growing in her faith and is excited to share her experience with others. Kristin and her husband, Casey, have three small children (one was born during the pandemic) and one big dog.