Vehicular Dilemma

"Quit looking at your difficulties as obstacles that are going to hold you back and start looking at them as opportunities that are going to push you forward into the life of victory He has in store for you!"

When I read this quote this morning in an email devotional that I get from Joel Osteen, it jumped off the page at me. I am facing a dilemma right now and this was a good word to my spirit.

My car, who has served me well over the past 12 years, is on her deathbed. I could pour more money into her, but would I just be prolonging the agony. She was a God car, provided for our needs; one of those times where God gives you not only what you need, but your heart's desire. I had always wanted a red car, and this one was not only red, but very sporty looking. I'm sure there was not a speck of rust that showed up on her for at least ten years! We used to stand in amazement as we saw other younger vehicles succomb to the usual deterioration that occurs during Canadian winters. But as I say, she is now tired and like me her parts are not working as well as they used to.

Hence my situation. Living on a pension, I don't have a lot of loose cash waiting to be spent. Who does, these days? I was offered a car for free...”Just get it safetied.” Wow! Thank you, God! But when I took it to my mechanic to see what he thought, he advised against it, telling me I would be walking into the same situation that I already have with my sporty red...a hole in the pocket, so to speak.

An unexpected lead turned up another car, in excellent condition; the problem being the amount needed to pay for it. I have been praying and reading and thinking. And then Joel turned up this morning!

I can look at this in a number of ways, but even focussing on the fact that it could be an “opportunity to push me forward”, the question remains: In what direction do I need to be pushed? If I need a car, (which my mind and society seems to dictate that I do), this one I have just seen would certainly be ideal. But, do I need a car? Is this the opportunity to jump off the societal wheel and return to “Shank's pony”, supporting the taxi, bus and train business as needed? Environmentally that would certainly seem ideal. But realistically...? I am involved in some activities here in town, and have a number of ministries that require (or seem to require) transportation. Perhaps this is an opportunity to bite my financial bullet, and trust that as I keep serving Him, my God will provide. It is a classic case of which comes first, the cart or the horse, the need or the cash.

I am not sure what I will do. I have a pretty strong leaning, but along this faith walk there come moments such as this where it seems there is no clear answer. I don't want to miss an opportunity. I don't want to be ensnared by the ramifications of a wrong decision.

Obstacle? Opportunity? God knows.

I just hope he'll tell me!