The Speedometer

I promised an explanation of the speedometer, so here it is.

While we were in Ohio, the speedometer on the truck stopped working. Mason did some research and replaced a sensor, then did all the things suggested to get the gauge working.

The speedometer would work for a while, giving satisfaction to this victory. But then, suddenly the hand would drop to zero. Discouragement and dismay would accompany this movement.

There were a few things we knew.

1) We had to leave for Colorado and without this particular gauge, it would be difficult to determine our speed. In traffic it wouldn’t be an issue, we could simply go with the flow, but in the middle of the night, there isn’t much traffic on I-70 and our speed wouldn’t be known.

2) Mason knew the truck speed at 2500 RPM’s was exactly 65 mph. We could use this if nothing else worked…but who wants to go 65 mph when the speed limit is 75? Not me! If we were to use the RPM’s for any other speed, it wasn’t as accurate. We could guesstimate, but it wasn’t as precise as we would have liked.

3) The cruise control worked (kind of), so if we used it while the speedometer was working, we could continue on with that speed using the cruise control. However, the cruise control won’t hold at the desired speed, so to get that speed, we have to drive faster and set the cruise, and with practice, it will land on the speed we want. Such complication!

With these pieces of knowledge, we headed out across the plains of the Midwest. Needless to say, it was an interesting trip.

We are on a spiritual journey in this life. A journey that has some issues along the way. There are “construction zones,” there are some “mechanical problems,” there are “congested areas” and “wide open spaces,” and there are “smooth travel” periods as well. In the midst of all that happens during this journey, there are a few things I know for certain. Let me share them with you.

1) The only way we can determine how our spiritual journey is going is by seeking God. He is the real gauge when it comes to how we’re doing. Following the crowd won’t do it in this case. Christianity means stepping out of the line of traffic to be used by God. When we are open to Him working through us, He will do amazing things. I know this because it’s what He is doing in my life right now.

2) Sometimes it’s easy to gain our Scriptural knowledge from what others say or write. We glean information from sermons spoken by our pastor. We read godly material and accept it as God’s truth. But in reality, we are called to search Scripture to know God’s truth (Matthew 4:4, 2 Timothy 2:15). God’s Word is accurate. Authors aren’t. If you truly want to know what God has to say, get into His Word. There is no substitute.

3) As we travel on this spiritual journey, allow God’s Holy Spirit to lead and guide. Don’t flounder around. Use what God has given to get you through this journey. And unlike the truck’s cruise control, you can depend on the Holy Spirit to keep you on the secure path. Every time.

The speedometer is still not working. We had hoped that moisture in the Ohio air was the real culprit to this mishap, but it has rained in Colorado since we’ve been home. There is no chance for drying out yet.

The good news for you is that if your life is broken, there is Someone, The One, who is willing and able to fix it. He knows the exact issue and can resolve the problem quite simply. But it is up to you to ask for His assistance.

God’s grace and forgiveness is His gift to those who desire restoration. And with these gifts, a whole new spiritual journey will begin. Why not join me on this journey. There will be “construction zones,” there will be “mechanical problems,” there will be “congested areas” and “wide open spaces,” and there will be “smooth travel” periods. Through it all, God will be by your side. And He will make the journey worth it all.

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna