Limits by Design

Check Your Gauges! Asked, “What do you do when you run out of gas?” One answered, “You fill up.” Asked, “What do you do when you run out of oil?” another answered, “You add oil.” But the truth is, when you run out of oil in your car, if you don’t recognize your lack in time you will soon walk!

 

My family has had that unwelcome experience – twice. Unlike my father, I had trained wife and child to depend on “dad” for oil checks. #1. A census job added unfamiliar miles to an old car and, full of fuel, one day she rolled no further.  #2. Distant college altered father oversight… a student may feel the price of fuel ghastly, but the price of no oil was Caprice casualty—oil unchecked brought the end.

 

Some deficiencies have great consequences. Unless they are attended!

 

Limits by Design! When God created this Universe he created space and then filled it with heavenly bodies. He created earth, water and sky and soon filled them with life. He created Adam and then waited – I believe long enough for Adam to sense need. Then He brought Eve, made more marvelously than Adam (many believe :o). Why the delay? Perhaps to emphasize need. Adam likely appreciated Eve more because he had been without for awhile.

 

Paul writes: “My God shall supply all my need…” I believe one of my needs is to do without. And this loving Father supplies that need simply by placing me on an earth with limitations, in a body with limitations, among people with limitations. A little hunger has value. A little thirst can teach. A little deprivation can remind me of limits and make me wiser.

 

We are built to encounter thirst, hunger, desire for intimacy and more. Could all these illustrate and offer opportunity for awareness of deeper need? What might that be? Intimacy with our Maker who built us, loves us, offers forgiveness and provides access to His very presence forever without these limits…?

 

Next time you run low, near empty – note your heart gauge and ask your Maker for fullness. He is adequate… He says He is the Bread of Life and the Water of Life. Give us this day our daily bread? Hmm.