Cruising across old US 30 in Iowa, a section of the old Lincoln Highway, you are treated to many small towns, and many old signs reflecting this was once the Lincoln Highway. Part of a main road connecting the east and west coasts. Historic and old, and a pre-freeway delight, when you have gas. But the farther west you get from Cedar Rapids, the old road gets barren, and there are no towns along it. Now there are signs for towns, but none on the road. Or even seeable afar, even though a sign points to one and an intersection. It is almost like today's freeways that have by-passed the towns, but which at least have gas stations and convenience stores awaiting you as you exit. But not out here-just signs. And so as the light came on to to warn me I was almost out of gas, we decided to try a side road. No signs, no nothing for about two miles, which can be a four mile round trip if nothing is found in town. And disastrous if you are about to run out of gas. Not even a barn or farm road. So barren you would have to plan it! But just as we were about to run out of hope, and gas, a small town emerged. Five blocks by five blocks wide. With no business section, except an old car garage with 50-60 year old vehicles in it, rusting away slowly, as they have for years. We went up and down every street, until we saw a man cutting his grass. Who was a bit shocked to see us, but pointed us out of town the opposite way, where a gas station/Laundromat/fast food/pet supply store truck stop/farm store was just closing, and we were able to fuel. Good thing, no access to pumps, even with a card when closed. So we fueled, backtracked, and soon were heading west on the old Lincoln Highway again.
Now the road was the same when we were almost out of gas, but since we filling up, we saw it much different. We had hope, and fuel, and suddenly the barrenness of no people, became quite attractive and serene. Amazing how a full tank of fuel can change your attitude about your ride. And I would like to travel it again, not looking for gas, but looking! I know I must have missed other signs of life, and maybe even a local stand to get a Coke or some fresh fruit. But when looking for fuel, nothing else seemed to matter. And almost running out of hope had led us to the brink of frustration. And when the 6.3 gallon tank took 6.2 gallons, just at the right time we had found this one stop for everything store.
I would like to go back and peek inside the old truck garage, maybe talk to the neighbors, and figure out where they work. What do they do. Maybe even get entrance to the garage and check out the trucks. Maybe even find out the name of the town! But in my haste, all I could do was over react to looking for gas, something I should have done in Cedar Rapids, where it was everywhere! A different perspective of this road and the little town, from eyes that weren't quite out of hope. Amazing how a full tank good for another 250 miles can change your attitude!
What are you looking for today? What situation have you found yourself in, and the need eludes you? What is causing you to lose hope, and do something desperate and follow your own understanding? Like us, we took a step of faith, and found this small town. We trusted there had to be someone somewhere, and there was. But the needed someone was with us all the time, and guiding us-we just had to follow the map He outlined. You see Jesus is always with us, no matter the problem. And offering advice so we won't get into hopeless situations. Like-get gas when you need can, before you run out. Self inflicted stress, and then missing the beauty of the road or trip, in panic. It pays to listen.
Today many things are not like they used to be. We need to be prepared for what is ahead. Not fall back on history, or even on a familiar road. We need to be prepared for what is ahead-and only in Jesus will you be. Unemployment-no job is secure any more. Short sales-that could never happen to me! Hunger-I was amazed yesterday at how high prices at the store have gotten. And some things not available any more. Truly we need to be prepared for what is ahead, by trusting God to lead us. Not just in material things, but in the spiritual things too-FIRST! No man is promised tomorrow, but the problems seem to proceed us anyway. Get a head start on them, by being prepared. Pray first, not just when panic stricken. Obey God, and maybe you won't end up on empty! Ask Him for directions, and you will find out He already has your path laid out-one you will be glad He did! And seek Him first, not after only. Scripture tells us that things are going to get worse, take God's advice-get into the ark while you still can. Be protected by God. Some will laugh, and mock, but will be left behind when trouble arises. It hadn't rained when Noah started building the ark, and he had no family yet. Yet God promised him a safe place for them all! Can we be so obedient? Can we seek God first?
Funny, but that day I knew right where we were, but being out of gas made us lost. Keep your tank full of the Holy Spirit, talk with Him during the day, and watch as He is the highlight of your trip. The roads will get rough, you don't have to!
The Lincoln Highway, named after a president who set the people free. Try traveling the Holy Spirit Highway-where you are always free. Free to go or stop, but with advice on when and why. Out on the road where Jesus ministered. Just off the highway, but it takes a bit of faith, to go there. Trust God. Trusting desperation just doesn't seem to be as much fun anymore. Even in Iowa, Jesus Christ-the AAA of life!
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com