An Empty Tank
- The Narrow Path
- Sep 29, 2023
- 2 min read
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me (2 Corinthians 12:9-10, NIV).
I am notorious for waiting until my gas tank is a little too close to empty before filling up. My best friend is the complete opposite. If her tank gets to ¼ on the gauge, she’s already making a plan. I should be more like her.
I was driving home one evening with around 50 miles left in the tank, and I told myself I would fill up in the morning. My morning plans changed and I was driving into Lexington for church. I didn’t want to be late, so I decided to get gas afterwards. I drove to the nearest Kroger when I realized that particular location didn’t have a gas station. Yikes!
Finally, I pulled into the Speedway to fill up my vehicle. As the pump clicked off, it read 16.124 gallons. I thought to myself, ”Whoa! I really pushed it this time.” Curiously, I Googled my vehicle tank size: 16.4. Some of you might be stressed just reading about this experience. Ha!
I’m thankful the current vehicle I drive gives me a mileage notification, but even then, I still ignore it and wait too long. I think living a life with Jesus can sometimes be the same way–there are warning signs, yet we continue to push through without going to Him to fill our tank.
We put gas, or diesel, into our vehicles to make them go. But what fills our spiritual tank? Ask yourself that question today. Is it worshiping through song? Is it walking and talking with Jesus? Is it spending some time in the quiet, early morning hours to be still with God?
I feel like it’s important to know this, because it can help us avoid situations like I got myself into with my vehicle–running, nearly on an empty tank, trying to get to our next destination.
Some days, however, we are simply doing our best to make it through. We know our tank is nearly empty, but we just have to push through.
Thankfully, scripture from 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 reminds us that, especially on those days, God’s grace is sufficient: But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.
He can, and will, sustain us. But, just like our vehicles give us warning signs like the gas light and the estimated mileage remaining, if we keep our eyes on Christ we can begin to recognize His warning signs as well. There are many, but He is faithful to show us.
When we begin to better understand what fuels our walk with Jesus, we can be intentional to fill up regularly. This can help us avoid a situation that I nearly found myself in a few weeks ago–sitting, stranded with an empty tank.
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