The Oil Spill

It is the most simple, basic aspects of Christianity - like actually trusting God in all circumstances - which provide a constant challenge and confront followers of Jesus on the deepest levels.  We born-again Christians remain in corruptible bodies of flesh in a world of sin with Satan firing flaming arrows at us.  Trials and tribulations, pains and troubles constantly work to rob us of peace only faith in Jesus brings.  The cumulative weight of the cares we carry can unknowingly overwhelm and threaten to overcome those who are overcomers through Jesus.  It is only by the grace of God we can be strong in the power of His might and having done all to stand.  He provides perspective which lifts our eyes above our enemy the devil, the inner turmoil, and circumstances to fix our focus on Jesus Christ.

Last week after my eldest son returned home from school he said, "Dad, you have to take a look at my car."  This did not sound good, and though I figured I was ready for anything I was a bit shocked by what I saw:  a massive pool of oil ran from underneath the engine block of his car into the road.  To say the car was "leaking" was an understatement.  The car was haemorrhaging litres of oil from a place I could not pinpoint, and after mopping up what we could even jacking up the car shed no light on the exact source.  "I noticed a little oil at the station but didn't think anything of it," Zed told me.  I was grateful he only needed to drive a short distance or without a doubt the engine would have seized from lack of oil as the dipstick was dry.  During the week my son contacted roadside assist to have it towed to a local mechanic where the car remains.

Because the car is in the shop I have made some extra trips to the nearby train station when Zed needs a ride.  Much to our amazement, there was not only one trail of oil but two - one trail leaving our house and one returning!  I felt a bit like I had witnessed a miracle involving oil like Elisha and the widow in 2 Kings 4.  After her husband died she was left with debts and no money to pay.  The creditors were coming to take away her sons to be slaves unless she somehow paid the debt.  All she had in the home was a small vessel of oil.  Elisha told her to gather all the vessels she could, then shut the door, and pour from her vessel into the other vessels to sell.  Miraculously the oil from her small vessel was multiplied to fill all the vessels they had gathered.  The oil was sold and the debt was paid.

It is a strange thing to glorify God over a dirty trail of motor oil, but even in the breakdown of the vehicle God's grace is evident:  the engine did not seize, the leak is repairable, and Zed has the money to fix the car.  The situation reminds me how things can always be worse, and with God's help even trails and obstacles can be redeemed for good and His glory.  Even if the car had been a write-off, God's goodness, grace, and provision would have been revealed to those who trust and look to Him.  A person could look at those oil trails and curse the dealer which sold them a lemon, or with eyes of faith we see God's protection and help.  When an engine fails and the oil spills, God knows about it.  When you are afraid or alone and the tears flow, God sees those too.  He realises the depth of your grief and worry.  Do not fear, beloved of the LORD, for He sees, heals, and restores lives.  If He cares about a leaky old car (and its young owner), He most certainly cares much more about you.