Most of us know what it's like to wait in line for gas at Costco (Or Sam's Club)... It's a nightmare!
Just when you think you have the system figured out and can get in and out of the pumps faster than last time, it gets changed up on you right in front of your eyes: The tanker truck blocks a portion of the lanes in order to replenish the pumps. The college kid in front of you forgets his membership card and needs to track down the associate for help. The smallest car seems to be taking the longest to fill up. The list goes on... Or maybe you have waited so long that you decide it's not worth it so you end up leaving to go fill up elsewhere. Or maybe you'll try again the following day because you don't need gas that bad today. The point is: No matter how prepared you feel going into that gas station, there is almost always something that happens that causes your approach to be thrown off by the time you get out of there. In an odd sense, our relationship with Jesus is a lot like our plight to get Costco gas. Just as a car needs gasoline in order to operate efficiently, humans need our fill of Jesus in order to be our best selves: There will be times where we are drawing closer to Jesus only to find ourselves faced with an obstacle that is intended to make our goals more difficult to accomplish. Sometimes drawing closer to Jesus means requesting assistance from someone nearby who can help walk us through the process of filling up. There are instances where some of us need more time at the pump so we can make sure we are getting the most out of the prosperous deal that will save us time, money, and heartbreak in the future by filling up to the max now. Then there are times where we feel that it makes more sense to go elsewhere to get a quick fill up from a source that costs more and keeps us from experiencing true satisfaction. Other times we will keep avoiding what is being offered to us until we feel ready or until we have completely depleted ourselves and have no other options. Let me just say that having persistence and taking the time to experience the best deal of your life is well worth it. Once you've experienced just how worthwhile it is to be filled completely and to be performing as your best self, you'll keep going back. Don't let the things of this world keep you from experiencing the fullness you get from making the time to be filled by Jesus. The best part about Jesus fuel is that you don't need a membership to buy it because the price has already been paid and all are welcome to take advantage of the best deal they've ever been offered. This is too powerful not to share... It challenges the perspective on the refugee crisis by reversing the roles and showing what it would look like if we as Americans were the ones seeking asylum. Please take the time to watch this video. Fresno is not as dead as people say it is. |
AuthorGabriel Guerra Archives |