Extra Strength God

We all have points in our lives when we learn something we should've known all along. This post is about one of those for me.

During this week I had to deal with changing a flat tire that gave me a deeper understanding of God's power. This may seem fairly benign or routine for many people but please let me explain.

As most readers of this blog know, I own and operate my own business picking up/delivering dry cleaning. Since growing that business into a full fledged dry cleaning plant with all the overhead, expenses and employee issues, there've been numerous financial difficulties. It seems that when employee issues get resolved, then there's equipment issues. One issue after another.

So, often times when I get going in the delivery van, there's a sense of relief and normalcy. Thursday was one of those days; started out a little early and was ahead of schedule. Then at 8:30 a.m., in front of the City building, I notice the left front tire very low on air. I hop back in and move the van to a parking spot where I'll be able to either change the tire or have the van towed.

Once out of the van, I looked at the tire and it was almost completely flat. Decision time. I chose to go deliver the clothes I needed to deliver first. Upon coming out of the building the tire is completely flat. I'm not driving the van anywhere and I immediately start the process of changing the tire. If you've ever changed the tire of a vehicle with the spare mounted underneath the rear, you know it isn't an easy task. You have to get the tools out (and these aren't the standard tools you'd keep in your garage), lower the spare, get the retaining bar out from the middle of the spare, jack up the vehicle and that's all before turning the wrench on the first lug nut. Keep in mind the temperature @ 8:30 a.m. was about 90, with about 80% humidity.

The process of removing the lug nuts seems like it shouldn't be a big deal, but all of my tires were last rotated by professionals and they use power tools to secure those lug nuts. I had a couple that were really difficult and at one point, I said; God, please just give me a little more strength. He did and the next attempt was just enough to loosen the nut. From there, it was a matter of putting the spare on, tightening the nuts and putting the spare in the back of the van

By now, my arms were filthy and fortunately the City building had a bathroom that had good soap. I was able to clean up quickly and go on about my business. My customers never even knew.

Here's what that experience taught me. Don't ask God for material things. Ask God for that which will have bigger affect. By granting me the little extra strength I needed to loosen that lug nut, I was able to go about my day with renewed optimism. Although I should've known for a long time, that God is by our sides when we need him most, this situation proved that truth.

He is an Extra Strength God, just ask Him for it and have faith.

Mea Culpa? Of sorts.

So over the weekend a facebook post was put up asking why politicians call themselves Christians while supporting laws that hurt the poor the most. Admittedly, my initial response was wrong; I posted that if I believe in Jesus Christ as my lord and savior, doesn't that make me a Christian, regardless of what else I do? Duh, yeah, I agree that you've gotta walk the walk, not just talk the talk. Much in the same manner that giving birth to, or fathering a child doesn't make you a Mom or Dad.

I then went on to post that the Ten Commandments were all we need and something about the government passing laws that require us to feed and clothe the poor.

Clearly this was not what I should have said and I was justly berated for some of my comments, but I was taken aback by the intensely personal way some people chose to attack me. Quite frankly I thought it was very UN-Christianlike. I know those people have no concern for me, my opinions or my feelings, but it still was very interesting how quickly things can decline into condescension, disrespect and even hatred. Especially by those who believe they are more Christian than the rest of us.

When faced with the question of why politicians call themselves Christians while supporting laws that hurt the poor the most, maybe I should've asked; you mean the same politicians that have made it possible for "the poor" to obtain cell phones at taxpayer expense? Or; you mean the same politicians that have made it easier for "the poor" to obtain food, housing and healthcare? Or; you mean the same politicians that have made it possible for "the poor" to obtain up to 99 weeks of unemployment benefits?

As for my comment about the Ten Commandments being all we need, sorry if it offends some people, but it sure seems to me that if we all followed the Ten Commandments, we might not need any other laws. I can't say that's fact, but it is my opinion. Naive as it may be to some, I am still allowed my opinion.

I was even ridiculed for being "simplistic." Wow! Much of what I've read in the Bible seems awfully simplistic. In fact, I get the very distinct impression that if we put God above all else and if we "walk in his ways," we will find true salvation. Yet, I'm berated by people half my age for such simplicity.

In the end, I find it disheartening (at the least) that people who've never created a job and/or never had to struggle with the regulations/restrictions of government think they should take, by force, from someone who has more than they do.

So I ask one question; why is it okay for government to pass laws that harm ANYONE?