The one thing all of us who ride have in common, no matter of engine size,
configuration, brand, or years of riding experience is how many miles can we go
on reserve until we run out? In our pre-fuel injected days our gas tanks had a
petcock, and when the bike would start to stumble and miss, we would reach down
and switch to reserve, and start looking for gas. Some would test the limits,
some would find out, and most would just go get gas and not worry. But few
would ever find out just how far they could go on reserve. With the advent, or
is that invent of fuel injection, no more petcocks, but we now have a low fuel
light that blinks. And on the newer bikes I ride, they even have built in a
computer that measures mpg, that lets me know miles to empty. Which after that
zeroes out will allow me another 20-30 miles before I start to panic. Inquiring
minds may want to know, but they have never pushed a 500 pound motorcycle which
has run out of gas. Which has the same physical law applied to it of that of
children-they both double in weight when they must be carried, or must be
pushed. But most go through life never knowing this experience, and that is
OK.
My wife one time knew she was close to reserve so switched over to it.
Then later ran out of as when she forgot she had, and the tank went dry.
Switching from reserve will not get you the same desired effect. Still not sure
how that was my fault....But whether it is a flashing light warning us, or a
quick move of the left hand at speed, we all push the limits sometimes when
riding. Just like the young kid who sees 200 on the speedo face and figures you
can go that fast, many young riders, or car owners think we get 100mpg, and
never have to fill up, another myth. I may be only able to go a 150 miles on a
tank on the Street Triple, but it also only costs $12-15 to fill up. I still
can't bring myself to fill up any of my cars, nor will my wallet. But some live
by what the owner's manual says, and fill up as soon as reserve hits, and some
try to figure out, like me, how far they can really go, based on figuring miles
travelled, divided by fuel used, and then figuring how far I could have gone
with the fuel left. Not a faultless system. One based on faith, the other on
obeying the law, one based on faith, the other based on no fear of running
out.
We approach Christ like that. Some have boundless faith, and push it
daily. We rush into the oblivion knowing that God will take care of us, while
some after many years still have a limited faith in Him. Why, or how can they
believe a God that can supernaturally save them, but not heal them? Is there a
cutoff date on miracles that somehow we have missed, or is it a lack of faith,
only believing what we have seen, or can see to live? With all the miracles,
feasts, and events Jesus talks about, I'm sure He would mention the cutoff date
for miracles ending. Yet He continues to save people still today, despite those
that don't believe. How far you go with Jesus depends on how much faith, and
then how much obedience you have to do the things He tells you. Some panic when
they run out of energy, money, or the knowledge of what to do. Some go on
anyway, hoping to avoid the inevitable, while true believers walk, or in our
case, ride with God. Psalms tells us we shall walk and not be weary, run and
not faint-when we run the race as He outlines it. God knows when we are on
empty, and has made provisions for that also. 2Corinthians 12 tells us that
when we are weakest, his strength is made perfect. Out of gas, He has plenty.
Out of money, he has resources. Hungry, thirsty, alone? He will see you are
provided for, but His way, not leaning on what we think or have experienced.
And not listening to those who are nay sayers, and don't trust, let alone
believe.
Perhaps the best opposite of obedience is stupid, not listening to what
Jesus tells us to do. The signs are there, just like the reserve light or
petcock. How we handle the situation depends on who we say Jesus is. Just a
prophet, He warns of impending doom. Just a teacher, He teaches us how to
live. But for those of us who call Him Lord, He is much more. He is the
reserve that never runs out despite what the gauge says. And He is the all
night station open and available just when we need it, even if we coast in on
empty. What do you do when you start to stumble? Switch to reserve or panic?
Or look for the next available station?
Today you will be faced with numerous situations to believe, doubt, panic,
or look to God and obey. God calls it self control, the choices are ours, and
self control is part of the fruit of the spirit. Fail to make the right
decision, you suffer. Choose to follow God, you are blessed, but either way He
never leaves you. He might even be that hand that pushes you the extra mile
when empty, or keeps you going when the light says you're out. How many miles
to empty? Your walk will be your testimony. Will your words back up what you
do?
Even if your bike takes high test, it will accept regular if nothing else
is available. Why find out when you can have a high octane God fueling you all
the time? So don't panic when the reserve light flashes, or you have to switch
the petcock. God has provided ways for both to keep us going. But also a
reminder of what to do when running low on fuel. Cast your cares on Him, and
watch as you go further, get better miles per gallon, and as your faith grows so
do the miracles. How far you go with Jesus depends on how full your tank is.
His never runs out, why would you ride with anyone else?
Do you trust your gauge or Jesus? Your life will be gauged on how much you
trust Him. Even the best ride ends in tragedy when you run out. Whether two
blocks or two miles, life is too short to push when you could be riding.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com