Good morning,
Today I would like to tell you about the tale of the lawn mower, two men, a spark plug, and an awesome God.
Our story begins with our main character, the lawn mower. It was at death’s door. It would not start and had leaked out all the fuel in the gas tank. I needed it repaired or replaced quickly because the mowing season was not yet over. I called friend one and asked if he would take my wounded friend to the repair shop. He said he would.
The next day at lunch, I was lamenting, to friend two, about my wounded friend. As I recounted the symptoms, he was thinking about the solutions. My second friend was a mechanical physician. His skilled and precise diagnosis led me to believe he might be able to repair my friend. I asked him if he would come over and evaluate the patient. He came. He did a thorough physical. The diagnosis, surgery. The patient was laid bare. Fully opened up, the doctor checked all the parts, cleaned the mess, and then put it all back together. No leaks. When he pulled the cord, it failed to turn over.
The doctor continued to work and came down to the spark plug. He had examined it before and it seemed ok. This time he cleaned it with a wire brush, replaced it, and voila the engine turned over and is working.
The awesome God of all creation came down and provided friend two with the ability, knowledge, wisdom, and the spark to repair my wounded mower.
The mower needed a spark. We believers need the spark provided by God for salvation, growth, and service.
My second friend did not realize that what he did was an act of spiritual service. It was a gift God had given him to repair engines. He was willing to come and repair my lawn mower.
God gives each of us gifts and talents and expects us to use them for his glory. Whatever talent God has given you, use it to bless someone else. It does not matter how big or small it seems to you, done in the power of God’s Spirit, it will be of great consequence.
“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” (Galatians 6:7-10)
Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001
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