working on cars...

Mar 12

Written by: CedarCreek Pastors
3/12/2008 3:20 PM

Why is it that working on cars never goes as planned?

I needed to change the brakes - which is an expensive job done at any local shop. As I drive down the road my brakes sound like a dinosaur's nails on a chalk board. SCREEEEEEEEECH. My father taught me how to do it when I was young to help save me money in the future. Well, it saves me money - but, there is something scary that happens when you jack the car up and begin to inspect, tear apart, and repair.

You see, this was supposed to be a simple pull of the old screeching break pads and replace them with new. As I started I noticed that my skill has improved and my efficiency was allowing me to finish this little project in record time. Then, as I was nearing the rebuilding stage - I noticed something wrong. Dun-dun-DUN!

It not only needed new brake pads, it needed new calipers. Oh boy.

Off to AutoZone. Ready to pick up the parts and return home...except they only have ONE caliper...so I have to drive to AutoZone #2.

Finally home, start putting it together. Long story short = it was much more work that I anticipated.

Then, as I was getting ready for bed - I couldn't help but think of my own life. I want myself problem free NOW. And sometimes when I sense God is trying to "repair" something minor - a major problem is discovered. Why is that? And what is more troubling - is why do I try to stop whatever God might be repairing.

So many of us are walking around with major "car problems" and it sounds like dinosaur nails on the chalk board. And perhaps, because we are afraid of what other problems might be discovered, we continue driving around, broken, in need of repair.

Here are some of the questions this little car experience raised in my own life - perhaps they will get you thinking, also.

How has my heart been lately? What might be screeching to the world around me? When do I give God space and quiet to work on me?



- Ben Snyder

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Re: working on cars...

Thanks Ben, I give God the space but forget about the quiet time.

By kc8bhv on   9/16/2007 9:57 AM

Re: working on cars...

Ben, I am realizing that one, time, is such a vital resource when it comes to repairing ourselves. Two, God made it known to me that He wants to heal me. Looking for a job currently has me isolating myself from God. Generational sin is there and God revealed that He wants to ALWAYS continue to finish the work in which He started in me, which means I have to let God in and get dirty. I am so ever thankful for His agape! Thanks for the blog! Thanks for using your gifts to communicate the gospel! Our God Reigns!! Seeking God in California, Matt PS...He still loves the Irish.

By Matt Bigelow on   9/17/2007 6:20 AM

Re: working on cars...

Thanks for the insight. I too have had several "three hour tours" when it comes to my car. The last time I changed my brake pads and rotors I had to put new wheel bearings in as well!
Sometimes the things that we try to fix in life seem simple and upon further evaluation, the problem that we see turns-out to be a symptom of a problem much larger in scope. As imperfect beings, all we can do is commit our issues to prayer. It's not like we can just go to Autozone to get ourselves right again.

By jfekendall on   4/20/2008 10:47 PM