to this post with additional reflections.
CARS, CUES,BBQ’s & BLUES
While fighting through disappointments, fears and delays, the Holy Spirit reminded me of when I got my first car. I was around 20 year’s old when I visited a dealer’s auction to buy a used, ‘94 Toyota Camry. Shortly after purchasing the car, I noticed that the oil light on the dashboard came on. Since it was an older vehicle, and it passed general inspection, I assumed the signal was faulty.
Aside from running a few local errands, the car remained parked. About two weeks after getting the car, me and a few friends decided to go to a BBQ in New Jersey. After a driving good distance on the turnpike, the car drastically slowed down until it came to a screeching halt! Though my foot was still on the gas, the car did not move. After shifting the gear into park, no attempt to restart the engine worked.
While trying get a boost from another vehicle, my car caused a cable spark that shocked the other car’s battery. For a moment, the assisting vehicle’s engine shut off and had trouble restarting. Thankfully, after letting it rest for a few minutes, their engine started running again. After several hours of unsuccessful attempts, my car needed to be towed.
GRIPPED & GROUNDED
We never made it to the barbecue. I learned later that my car stopped on the road because the engine seized. The previous owner neglected to put oil in the car. Though I got the vehicle inspected and maintenance services when I purchased the car, the engine was too far gone to simply add, or change the oil to repair it.
The entire engine had to be replaced for the car to function again. Thankfully, my grandfather owned a mechanic shop. He got a great deal on a pre-owned replacement engine and graciously repaired the car for me. By the grace of God, I was back on the road!
GRACE WHILE STALLED
After recounting the story, the LORD began to minister to my troubled spirit. The stagnancy, restlessness, stress and pressure I was experiencing began to deplete physical energy. Depression tapped on my shoulder again. I couldn’t fathom why I couldn’t just “bounce back” to who I was before trauma. The PTSD, loss, trials and suffering took years to heal— and some areas are still in recovery!
POWER FOR THE COURSE
The truth is, before fully breaking down in life, I didn’t realize that my mental, emotional and spiritual “engine seized” long before I was conscious of it. Over years, spiritual neglect caused my soul’s oil to slowly dry up. My personal relationship with God feigned subconsciously through busyness, distractions, poor choices denial and avoided pain. The LORD helped me to see that my “seized engine” was being replaced. The Holy Spirit strategically preserved this time to heal and transform my mind, heart and spirit, aka install the new engine!
HELP TO WHOLENESS
God revealed that frustration comes from trying to resuscitate something that has permanently seized or ceased. God helped me to accept that I’m not the same woman I once was. The Holy Spirit reminds us to be patient and love ourselves through the transformation process. We can rest assured knowing we’ll ride like new when the work is completed within us.
Today, God is doing a new thing. In Christ, we are “new creatures”. Like my first car, the old engine could only travel a short distance before it seized. It no longer worked for the body it was in. The road we’re traveling in this season requires new anointing and velocity. The old “engine” is no longer functional or equipped to carry us to our desired and appointed destinations. Let’s wait with thanksgiving and joy knowing we’re riding in His goodness for the long haul.
1. Love and accept who and where you are now.
2. I don’t “remix”, romanticize or resuscitate the “seized engine”.
3. God has the oil, Jesus is the Light. Behold the new & wait for God to install your new engine!
SOURCE REFERENCES
Matthew 9:14-17, Mark 2:18-22, Luke 5:33-39, Philippians 2:5-11, Psalm 51:10-19, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Isaiah 43:19, Romans 12:2, 1 Corinthians 12:12-28, John 14:1-3 , Matthew 9:17, LORD, Yahweh # 3068 ,Biblehub.com Strong’s Concordance. Kingjamesbibleonline.org, Biblegateway.com, Motor engine warning light by matsou from Getty Images Signature
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