For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13
They’re in the garage…waiting. Ok, let’s be totally honest. I am, uh, not very handy when it comes to power tools. It’s not that I don’t use them, and it’s not that I can’t use them, I just don’t use them as effectively as others. I know when I work with the guys at church on some project, generally speaking, they won’t let me use the power tools. It’s an act of protection—for me and for them. Now, with all that said, I do have a pretty good collection of power tools. And, when I do need them, they are there and if I am careful and patient, I can usually get the job done.
I have a set of tools all made by Ryobi. The idea is that you have all these different tools, but they are all powered by the same battery or power source. Several companies do this, but I chose Ryobi mainly because they were cheaper than most of the other “he-man” professional brands. I have, and this is the short list, a couple of drills, an impact driver, a saws-all, a circular saw, a light, a grinder, two string trimmers, two blowers (one small and one big) and a partridge and a pear tree. Just checking to see if you were still there. Now all these tools use the same battery—the same power source which means I can switch the battery between them all. It is cool and it is convenient.
Several of these tools, like the drills, blowers, and string trimmers, I use pretty frequently. Some, though, I rarely use—but here is the deal. I may not use them often, but when I need one, they are so valuable. Let me explain. I had a piece of metal sticking up in my back yard from an old house that once stood there. This metal was a pain in the neck. I would forget and hit it with my lawnmower and bump it with the string trimmer. No matter what I did, I couldn’t get rid of it. Then one day I bought a grinder to add to my tool collection. I took that dude in the backyard and eight years of frustration disappeared in a matter of seconds. The difference? Right tool for the job.
While all these tools do different things, like I said, they all have the same battery. I have learned one thing. The tools without the battery are totally useless. They might look impressive as you look into my big green Ryobi tool bag but take away the power and they are just space stealers on a shelf. However, put in the battery and bam—they become powerful and useful.
I suppose you are already connecting the dots here. You probably have already figured out that all of us are different, and all of us have different skill sets, but all of us also need a power source to be what we were created to be. Some might consider that to be a positive attitude or a strong work ethic, and while those are good things…they are not the thing. From where I sit, the One who made me, who designed me is the source of strength in my life. He makes all the skill sets come alive. Paul, one of the writers of the New Testament said it right when he wrote, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” At least for me, when I plug Jesus into life, into a situation, all of a sudden, there is power to do—to overcome.
Now, don’t make the mistake of confusing church and religion for Jesus. In and of themselves I guess they are fine, but they are anemic substitutes for the real deal. Jesus is the power source that can change lives and He is just waiting to change yours. Why not jump on the web and do a little research. Oh, sure you will find some who will think this God stuff is just a crutch to give hopeless people something to hope in. But you are also going to find a big bunch of incredible people who believe just the opposite. Hey, give it a shot. I know after these crazy times, as well as a zillion other tough situations, He is the real deal, and I’ve never found anything that He can’t handle. Take it to the bank…He’s got this. Bro. Dewayne
Grits with Grace 