It was one early morning, last month, when my car got stalled in a matter of minutes. I was getting back from running my morning errands. Then, I went home to rest for a moment, but my car got stalled as I was about to run a short distance yet important round.
My car is old; it must have been tiring for it to serve me for quite a long period of time now. It was back in the year leading me to quit my regular and pensionable banking job; I was sanctioned a car loan from my latest office.
Now my tired car has got me worried as I have also become weary from my hospital visits and the unspoken pain and daily physical discomfort that I have to bear each day due to my neurological disorder.
It might be a simple mechanical error which can be fixed by the mechanics. However, being on a very tight budget, as for now, it takes a lot of thinking whether I could afford the necessity that befalls me.
My car needs to keep running at least for a year before getting it scrapped, as per the rule of law in the city we live in. It must be a minor problem for many, but it takes a toll on me to face such unprecedented trouble over and over.
The thing is, my car has to keep running.
The incident, although now resolved, has led me to reflect on certain things about life and discipleship. I must lay aside the heavy weights of the baggage of my frailties in physical and mindset, and my sin, but I must run with patience the race set before me. Heb. 12: 1
Can’t get stalled:
Over the years, I have posted on my social media handles, which people often criticized me for putting out such feelings, which must be better kept private.
It was unprecedented when my life got stalled, pulling back a few years, losing my health, acquired knowledge, and a few precious things I wanted to hold onto, which makes me think harder about the validity of life.
When I am very tired, in my exact phrase which people did not like, I wanted to log out of life for a while, if only I could log in again. It implies my tiresome journey; the consistent pain in my head to toe before my brain surgery.
Yet living with the hurling questions and criticisms, which cause emotional pain at times, was much harder to face than bearing the physical pain.
As the apostle Paul puts it, “I must run in such a way that you may get the prize, exercising self-control and purpose”. 1 Cor. 9:24
I know my life can’t ever get stalled; I have to keep going despite the pain and difficulties. Just as the way I wanted my old car to keep running for me. It shouldn’t even be a wish!
Fixing my stalled car:
Fixing my stalled car requires a car mechanic, especially one who is good at electrical parts in the car, to diagnose the problem and fix it for me.
Subsequently, I called one bargaining on the line since I was very low on budget, as my monthly budget had been used up by this time. In the streak of time, I was briefly reminded of the day I bought this car, launched as brand new, many years ago. At that time, I was very confident that once my health was back to normal, I would be able to earn more than I had earned in the banking job.
Now we struck a deal – the mechanics came to fix the car; however, it was costlier than expected once the bill came. Now the car is back to running errands and brought us back to church again.
Running the stalled car:
Running the car, after getting it fixed, is in my hands once again. The mental toll it takes for such a problem on a fragile person, not by choice nor choosing to remain one, is visible. I need a good rest before my nerves and parts of my brain function normally.
I have to fix my eyes on the road again, encouraging myself that I have to drive the car.
In our spiritual journey, we did suffer setbacks due to what has happened around us. The temptation and the trauma we carried slowed us down.
However, “let us run with endurance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” Heb. 12;1-2
No stalling for Christ:
It is important to take direct action right away without any delays, excuses, or time-wasting tactics in following Christ.
Stalling in life, in one way, is procrastinating a lot, which, although it leads us to get a clearer picture of where we are headed. Yet stalling without a purpose, or if not due to unprecedented circumstances, is better avoided in many ways.
The Apostle Paul warns believers who started well not to let anything turn them away from the truth, but keep running the good race and never quit. Gal 5:7
Only then can we finish well for God in this life.
Keep the engine running:
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Never get the car stalling
Keep the engine running
Run it smoothly, not cutting
On the way, avoid stopping
Fix your eyes on Christ
Don’t lose sight, keep following
Run your life till finishing
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Don’t stall your life.
Ak God for help
When you’re weary
Our God is near you
Keep the engine running
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Never cry before man.
You’ll be judged; mistaken.
I’ve been there; please don’t be.
Before God, keep rolling.
You’ll get your answer one day.
Abide by his providence!
Keep the engine running!