God is the master mechanic that can repair, restore, and renew.
“Papi, how do you know so much about cars?” my son asked. “How do you know what to do and what parts to change?” “I’ve worked on cars for years. But, most importantly, I’ve learned from making many mistakes,” I replied.
I’ve always had an interest in cars. More specifically, how they work and operate. Every time I look at an engine, I’m impressed by how much engineering goes into making one. Every screw, every spring, and every component has a purpose. That’s why I enjoy understanding how each part works.
This car interest started with my first Matchbox but grew when my dad gifted me my first car. “Son, this is your car,” he said as he handed me the keys. “Everything from here on in is your responsibility. You pay for the gas, insurance, and all repairs.” “O.K., dad. Thank you so much!”
That day was the beginning of my amateur mechanical career. Because of limited funds, I did all the mechanical work on my cars. I would buy a manual, try to diagnose the issue, and make the necessary repairs. In time, my understanding of mechanics grew, as did my tool collection.
My ultimate learning experience happened a few years ago when I decided to restore a Corvette from the ground up. I ended up tearing the engine down and rebuilding it piece by piece. At first, I was somewhat overwhelmed, but with the manual at my side and the right tools, I brought that car back to life. However, the restoration process was still highly challenging despite having tons of tools and a manual.
It took me nearly two years to restore that car. I shed much blood, sweat, tears, time, and money on that project. However, the result was a fully restored Corvette that was better than the day it first rolled off the factory floor. It was also the ultimate learning experience for me on something that initially appeared impossible.
My story reminds us that God is the ultimate master mechanic that can repair, restore and renew us. We have His Word with specific instructions and the Holy Spirit that does the work in us. Although you can try to fix things on your own, He’s the only one who knows more than you.
Also, during that restoration, repair, or renewing process, we may experience blood, sweat, and tears. However, God is the only one equipped and qualified to do the work. Only He can accomplish the seemingly impossible if you use his “manual” and Spirit to work on you.
Daily Directive:
Answer and Journal the Following
Read:
Jeremiah 29:11-14
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. 12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. 13 You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you, declares the Lord, and I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations and all the places where I have driven you, declares the Lord, and I will bring you back to the place from which I sent you into exile.
Pray:
Pray to be receptive to God’s word and what he wants to work on in your life. Then pray to accept what he needs to do in your life.
Meditate / Make It Real:
Contemplate and meditate on or memorize the passage. What is God saying to you? Then, determine what you will do with what you’ve learned.
Share / Show:
Share and show what you’ve learned with someone else.
