Recently I pulled into my usual place for filling up my car with gas. I pulled up to the first pump and then noticed the “out-of-service” bag over the nozzle. I then glanced at the next pump; it also had the same yellow bag over its filling nozzle. I then looked at all the pumps. They all had a yellow “out of service” bag over the nozzle end of the hose. “That’s odd.” I thought. I then focused my attention on the convenience store building and that’s when I saw nothing. Oh, the building was still there but the inside was dark, I could see the shelves were empty, and there was a “Going Out of Business” sign in the front window. Well, when did that happen? Obviously since the last time I got gas!
This experience reminded me of how much we humans are creatures of habit and we don’t like our routines messed with. My first reaction when realizing my “usual” place was closed, was that of “Oh no…what am I going to do? Where am I going to get gas?” After all, this was the place that I could get 7 cents off a gallon of gas for paying with cash!! Then I laughed at myself and realized this was nothing to panic about, there were plenty of other places to get fuel for my car. What this means is that I now have the opportunity to get acquainted with other gas stations here in Mitchell. I might even find a place I like better!
As I reflect on this moment it points out that change can be challenging, especially unexpected change. But change can also provide new and growing opportunities, as well as new discoveries. I’ve discovered this truth in my spiritual life as well.
I don’t know about you, but I tend to get in a rut, spiritually speaking. I have tended to read from the same translation of the Bible, I have tended to read the same authors, I have tended to follow the same pattern in my quiet time, etc. None of this is necessarily a bad thing…but it does limit what I use to fuel my soul. In my sermon preparation, one of my seminary professors suggested that we read the passage we’re preaching on from several different Bible translations. Sometimes a word in a different translation than what we usually use will provide a new insight into a not-before seen principle in God’s Word.
At the beginning of this year, I started reading from a different translation of the Bible for my personal devotion time. It helps give a new perspective on things, sometimes. It helps me experience God’s Word in fresh ways. I’ve even intentionally read some different authors and speakers in the past year, simply to open myself up to new thoughts and ideas. This has truly provided fuel for my soul!
As we each make our way through our day, through our week, through this month, and even through this year, sometimes it can be a good thing to break out of our routines. I know, it can be rather uncomfortable, at least to begin with, but it can also provide an opportunity for new experiences and new growth. So, what if your favorite faith author stops writing…what if your favorite podcast, speaker, preacher, teacher, that has given you spiritual fuel, stops speaking? What to do!? It just might be a great opportunity to allow God to speak into your life in new and fresh ways. It might be a God-given opportunity to search out new sources of fuel for your soul. After all, I didn’t stop driving just because my favorite gas station closed, I simply found another place that provided the fuel I needed to keep on going.
Serving Together,
Pastor Keith