~ Check your Engine ~

[Lani]

Matthew 11:28-30
28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives sleep to his beloved. Psalm 127:2




My sister was driving home, our mother following her. Suddenly, my sister pulled to the side of the road and lifted her car’s hood to look at the engine. Our mother stopped too asking, “What are you doing?”

“I’m checking my engine, and there it is,” my sister replied. She does not have a clue about car engines, but the car’s “check engine” warning light had come on. These warning lights can indicate minor problems that if ignored can become major ones. I have paid large repair bills that might have been smaller had I simply had my engine checked when the light came on.

God gives people “check-engine lights” too. At seminary, the associate dean expressed concern because I was working, going to school, and taking care of a family. He cautioned me not to overload myself with course work. I ignored his warning, and disaster followed. Other check-engine signals can be something we read or hear or that a friend says. Our emotions may tell us that something is wrong. Sometimes our body signals us though rising blood pressure or other physical ways.

When we ignore the signals God has given us and overload our schedules, we may find ourselves eating “the bread of anxious toil.” But when we heed God’s call by resting, praying, and trusting, God blesses us with the energy to get through the day.




Prayer: Dear God, help us understand the need to slow down and care for the body and spirit you have given us. Amen

Prayer Focus of Day: Those who need rest and relaxation
Thought for the Day: Sometimes we need to check our engines

Story shared by: M. Bowe (AL)
Source: Upper Room Daily Devotional: 9/10/11