When Your Sign Falls Apart

Examine and test and evaluate your own selves to see whether you are holding to your faith and showing the proper fruits of it.

—2 Corinthians 13:5a 

My mouth flew open and I stopped the car and stared. What on earth?

Right there before my eyes was the wreckage of my former house number sign. I got out the car to examine the mess. A closer inspection revealed that the nails had popped out of place, causing the boards to collapse. Apparently, changes in the weather and exposure to the elements had caused the wooden boards to swell. Over time, the swelling pushed out the nails.

Now what? I’m not handy with tools, but I know the sign must be repaired—for the same reason it was installed. A number of years ago all residents of our rural county were ordered to post house numbers, mainly for location identification purposes for first-responders to a 9-1-1 call. Even though responders can now rely on GPS, having a sign for location confirmation is still helpful.

I stood there gaping at the remains and wondered how I never noticed the boards were pulling away. Perhaps if I had taken the time to inspect it regularly…

Good Report

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report, if there be any virtue and if there be any praise, think on these things.

—Philippians 4:8

 

The wheel jerked sharply to the left and then I heard it. Thump, thump, thump. 

Oh, no! A flat tire! 

Quickly I maneuvered my car to the shoulder and got out to inspect.  

Yep, just as I suspected, I groaned. Now what? I don’t know how to change a tire. 

I glanced at the time. 5:45. The farewell dinner for one of my best friends would begin in 15 minutes…without me. 

No, Lord, that can’t happen. I can’t miss this. What should I do? 

The Way Out

No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.

—1 Corinthians 10:13 

 

I admit it. I am an emotional eater.

I have struggled with my weight for years—taking if off, putting it back on, taking it off, putting it back on. Only in recent years have I become aware of the root issue. My relationship with food is unhealthy. Food has been my go-to source when I’m sad, when I’m stressed, when I’m in pain, when I’m bored, and even when I’m happy. I know I use food to self-soothe, but I also know that when I do I am only creating a bigger problem. I must get a handle on this and go to God instead of reaching for food.

Emergency Lessons

Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.

—Matthew 25:13

He’s coming. And I've got to get ready. It could be any day now.

I have to be prepared. I have business to attend to—emergency lessons to write.

My daughter is due to give birth to my grandson. And as soon as I get the word, I’ll be jetting off in her direction as fast as my little Jeep will carry me.

But I have 150 students counting on me here at home. And it’s my duty to leave lesson plans for a substitute teacher. While I’m excited about the arrival of my new bundle-of-joy, I also care about my students and want to leave lessons that are relevant and meaningful—lessons that will enlighten and engage.

My administrator is also counting on me to be prepared. Leaving without leaving lesson plans would be falling short—the equivalent of my students not completing their assignment.

Jesus used The Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13) to explain the workings of the kingdom of heaven. The duty of the ten virgins was to attend to the bridegroom, to light the way to the wedding banquet. Five were prepared with plenty of oil for their lamps, while the other five fell short. The foolishness of the unprepared cost them entrance to the wedding banquet.

Our duty is to attend to the business of our souls, to be ready for the Lord’s coming. It could be any day now. And our assignment is to the light the way for others. Let us not fall short. Let us be prepared. May our lamps burn bright for Him. And may we share this urgent message of hope in relevant and meaningful ways.

Dear God, thank You for making a way for me to enter the marriage supper. While I’m excited for that joyous day, I also care for others and pray that they too will receive this blessed hope. Thank You for entrusting me to attend to the business of souls. May I not fall down on the job. Guide me to complete this assignment, illuminating the way for others. Amen.