“But remember this—the wrong desires that come into your life aren’t anything new and different. Many others have faced exactly the same problems before you. And no temptation is irresistible. You can trust God to keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can’t stand up against it, for he has promised this and will do what he says. He will show you how to escape temptation’s power so that you can bear up patiently against it.” (I Corinthians 10:13 The Living Bible)
Just when you thought you have seen all the possible drive-thru drama that one could possibly see, another mess take place. You were ready for a joyful, peaceful, trouble-free time, but what you never expected to happen, happens.
Happenings in the drive thru! Here is one you can add to some previous meditations I have written about “Drive-Thru Drama.” Here is the latest to add to you collection. The happening; I did not see it happen, but as I was ready to get in a short line to pull up and order my food, a man comes to my car window, walking briskly, dressed in dark clothing, and tells me and the driver behind me, that we might want to back out and go to another fast-food restaurant. I’ll be honest. When the man came to my car, I asked him what was going on. But let me back up while I’m being honest. “To be honest” I first thought he was looking for handouts or possibly part of a robbery scheme. Thank God he was just trying to help me and the person behind me, help us avoid a long wait. He vividly described how three cars were involved in a accident. His adrenaline was flowing high, much like when we came running to our parents to tell what was going on with our siblings when they had an issue and needed adult help.
With his hand flinging and his voice fluctuating in speed and tone, the man went on to explain how one person tried to move ahead of the person in the alternate land who was really next. He goes further, explaining how that person rammed the side of the car that had the real right away. Still talking, he says how the matter got complicated, for, the car behind the person trying to cut the line, after his motion was suspended by the impact of running in to the car. He was hit by another driver who was talking on the phone and obviously not paying attention and was pretty eager to eat too. Oh, if you could have seen my initial look after hearing the man’s account of the happening. I’m sure my face probably communicated what I was thinking, “A three car pile-up…in the drive thru!” Not the street, not the interstate, not the area where two major highways merge, but in the drive thru!
After the driver behind me backed out, I did the same. Now know that at my age I avoid parallel parking, backing into car spaces so I can pull out quickly, and any other backing up situations except puling carefully out of the garage. Yet, heeding to the warning, I backed out, demonstrating that one can do what they don’t want to do when necessary. Yes, I took the way out as warned by the one who let me know what was going on. I also followed the advice to go to another place that did not have the drama, at least not yet.
Today is Saturday, a day that will be filled with temptations. Temptations like spending too much money, speaking in a manner to start trouble, and satisfying self. Oh there are more temptations that will confront you. You will be tempted not do something you promised you would definitely do; a chore, an errand, or an outing. Temptation will have you rationalize your excuse, so that you convince yourself that it is acceptable. Temptations! You will be tempted to stay out or stay up so late, that tomorrow, you won’t make it to the Lord’s house, in person or virtually. Temptations! You will be tempted to eat the wrong foods, ease into the wrong places, and enter in those places Psalm warns us against: walking in the counsel of the wicked, standing in the path of sinners, and sitting in the seat of the scoffers. See Psalm 1 when you get a chance!
The tempter will try to subtly try to lure you into being selfish and organizing your actions and your thoughts as to say, “It’s all about me.”
Right now, thank God that He will be the voice that speaks to YOU, telling you to stop, back-up, avoid, or go to a better place, a place literally, figuratively, or spiritually, one that will ensure you will not have a failing.
The Holy Spirit will speak to you and bring to remembrance something you read in the word of God, and He will keep you from leaning on your own understanding, and perhaps even committing a sin of omission or commission.
My advice to you today is twofold. Don’t you create any drive-thru drama and, most importantly, “Take the way out!” Put the closing verse somewhere in your prayer this morning! Other than that, have a super, sensational, Savior present in you Saturday! Be blessed!
“Keep us from being tempted and protect us from evil.” (Matthew 6:13 Contemporary English Version)
Still committed to the climb,
Mark L. King