A young missionary, Herbert Jackson, was given a car to help him in his work. The car was a major asset, but it had one difficulty—it would not start without a push or a jump-start. Jackson devised a system to cope with the car’s inability to start. When he was ready to leave his home, he went to a nearby school and asked permission to bring some of the children out of class to help him push-start his car.
Throughout the day, he was careful to always park on a hill or to leave his engine running when he stopped for short visits. For two years the young missionary used what he believed was an ingenious method to enable him to use the car.
When poor health forced the Jackson family to leave the field, a new missionary arrived to lead the mission. When Jackson explained to the new missionary his methods for starting the car, the young man opened the hood and began inspecting. “Why, Dr. Jackson,” he interrupted, “I believe the only trouble is the loose cable.” He gave the cable a twist, pushed the switch, and the engine roared to life.
For two years, Dr. Jackson had used his own devices and endured needless trouble. The power to start the car was there all the time—it only needed to be connected.
Are your spiritual connections loose? Are you striving and straining in your own strength? When was the last time you lifted the hood and examined your heart? The power of God is always available to us as Christians. We just need to be connected. Connected to the cross of Christ. Staying in step with the Spirit. Serving and loving our brothers and sisters in Christ. Soaking in the Word of God. Jesus reminds us in John 15:5 (ESV),
I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.
We shouldn’t just live “for” Jesus we need to live “from” Jesus. Abide with your Lord and Savior today and make sure those connections are strong.