Avoidable Difficulty
I had to take my vehicle into the shop earlier this week to have some work done. Since the shop is only about 3 miles from the church, I came up with a great plan so I wouldn’t have to ask someone for a ride. If I put my electric bike in the back of my suburban, I could take it to the shop, take out my bike and ride it to church. When my vehicle gets done, I would just ride back to the shop, load up my bike and be done. Easy – peasy! I made all the necessary preparations; fully charged battery (check), pack helmet (check), pack reflective safety jacket (check), pack gloves (check), pack eye protection (check). Everything went just as planned. I dropped off my vehicle, took out my bike and began pedaling to the church. But as I began my ride, something just wasn’t right! I pushed the power button on the frame, the battery strength indicator lights came on but it wouldn’t stay on. It would light up for about 5 seconds, then turn off. I couldn’t get it to stay on. Without battery power, I was pedaling a 59 pound bicycle that had a transmission which provided resistance instead of assistance. Needless to say, I had the toughest cardio workout that I’ve had in probably the past 20 years. I also noticed how many hills there were between the auto shop and the church. Every day that I drove this same route, all the roads were flat! Or at least I thought it was.
When I finally got to the church, I tried trouble shooting the bike and noticed/remembered that there was a key slot in the frame. Disclaimer: I just bought this bicycle last year and didn’t ride it much through the winter months. There was no way that I was going to punish myself by riding the bike back to the shop later that day so I called my wife Rona and pleaded and begged for her to look on my desk at home for the key to the bike. After a few chuckles, she agreed to come and bring the key to me. I got the key, put it in the key slot and turned it. VOILA! The little storage compartment popped open. No way! The key had nothing to do with powering up the bike. After closer inspection, I noticed a button on the “back” of the little computer on the handle bar. One push of the button and everything lights up, the bike powers up and I couldn’t help but chuckle.
So, the million dollar question. What do I learn from this? Pastor David said there’s got to be a sermon illustration in there somewhere. Well, if not, at least a Weekly Word illustration.
What do we have in our possession that can make a huge difference in making our lives better when we use it often and become familiar with it or have a meaningful relationship with them?
1. God and the Holy Spirit. They are at our disposal, 24/7.
And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever. John 14:16
But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. John 14:26
Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take up my yoke and learn from me, because I am lowly and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. Matt. 11:28-30
2. Our Bibles. God’s Word is invaluable and irreplaceable when it comes to a source of help and instructions.
All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17
3. Caring for and loving one another.
I give you a new command: Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you are also to love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. John 13:34-35
Needless to say, my ride back to the auto shop was much more pleasant and enjoyable. We can experience the same differences in our lives when we are in a proper relationship and engaged (familiar) with God, the Holy Spirit who indwells us, and each other.
Pastor Bryan