Low Fuel

My parents moved to North Dakota the summer before my sophomore year in college. My eight hour drive to Lee University in Tennessee suddenly became a twenty-eight hour drive.

I did the drive on my own at the beginning of fall semester, but wasn't too keen on the idea for Christmas break. So, my dad met me at the airport in Knoxville and we loaded up my Buick together and set out on the long road home.

The drive was fine until we hit South Dakota. There was a blizzard warning and the Department of Highways shut down Interstate 94 all the way across North Dakota. Smart people would hunker down in a hotel overnight and wait for the worst to pass.

My dad and I found a lesser highway that runs parallel to the interstate. As we navigated our way down US highway 12 in northern South Dakota, we realized it was too late to reevaluate our decision. We made our way through Aberdeen, Bowdle, and Ipswich with only the howling winds, whiteout snow, and blowing tumbleweed to accompany us.

We reached Mobridge, which is the point we start heading north. I suggested we get some gas, since we were hovering around 1/6 tank. Dad rebuffed my concerns and headed northward.

Soon we were in the wilderness during a blizzard late at night.

And the low fuel light came on.

And stayed on.

For the next 30 some miles.

I tried to call my mom on my cell phone so she would know to come find us if we didn't show soon, but alas, there was no signal.

Great. Now we're going to be Discovery Channel survival show fodder. I can't even go walk for help. I'm a college student. The only shoes I own are flip flops and high heels.

On the other hand, I'm pretty sure I have enough hair product to start an impressive fire to keep us warm.

In case you're wondering how that story ended, we got home okay. By the miraculous provision of God.

But I didn't learn very much. Years later, I'm in a minivan with my dear husband and two beautiful children in the wild of northern Alberta. We drive through a small town and Trevor suggests we get a bit of gas to ensure we have enough to reach our destination.

I waved him off and insisted we would be fine. We passed the gas station and drove a bit more before the low fuel light dinged on. Oops.

I learned two things that day.

1. I'm turning into my dad.

2. We humans have a bad habit of ignoring warning signs and then wondering later what went wrong.

We run on empty gas tanks and can't figure out why we're not effective. Why we never finish anything we start. Why we're exhausted. Discouraged. Depressed.

Sometimes we realize we're running on empty so we try to fabricate our own fuel. Do things on our own power. We're all about the works. Even when we realize we need God's strength to fill us, we think "What do I need to DO to get God's strength?"

Then we create this action plan that we need to follow to be in God's favor so that he will pour out His strength on us. In reality, though, access to God is simple.

When you go to a gas station, do you worry about where the gas is coming from?

Do you have to know create the gas yourself?

Refine the oil?

Do you have to know how the pump works?

What kind of metal they used?

Of course not. (Thank God)

All you have to know is how to take the gas cap off and how to connect the hose to your vehicle. (And to make sure you're not pumping diesel in your car)

So let's break this down-

• You'll have warning signs that you are running low on fuel, just like that shining gas pump symbol that flashes on your dash. Max Lucado writes about this in his book Come Thirsty. Irritability, competitiveness, being overly-sensitive, and being discouraged are some of the warning signs.
• No matter how hard you try, you will not be able to fabricate a synthetic fuel that can replace the power of God working in your life.  It will never be enough, and you will not be able to accomplish what God has set before you.  You cannot do it alone.  You may be able to for a while, but there is not sustainability.

• We like to over-complicate the process of refueling.  We have the right intentions, but we still try to do everything with our own strength.  Allow God to prove his strength in your life.  You just need to open up yourself to be filled, and connect.  Don't worry about the science of the process.  That's God's specialty.  You just worry about the connection.

Draw close to God, and God will draw close to you.
James 4:8a

May you experience the love of Christ, though it is so great you will never fully understand it. Then you will be filled with the fullness of life and power that comes from God.
Now glory be to God! By HIS mighty power at work within us, he is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope.
Ephesians 3:19&20 (emphasis added)