That’s the sign that was on the air compressor at the service station. You know, the place you fill your tires with air at the service station. The air hose, the air tank, (Staci has always called it the ” tire air filler upper thingy”). Whatever you want to call it,…… it wasn’t working,………and to prove it, it had an “Out Of Order” sign taped to it.

I was pumping gas into my vehicle when I noticed a lady pull up to the air compressor. Her back left tire was flat as a pancake. I mean it was flatter than one sheet of paper. I had a feeling of what was going to happen next. And sure ‘nuf, it did. The ladies face went from normal with a semi smile to a……… well, (I can read lips and what she said was not lady-like) AND well, her face was contorted with anger and madness. She was NOT having a good day!!

She pulls her car with the three good tires into one of the store’s parking spots. Immediately pulling up behind her are these two guys in a work truck. A few simple hand gestures, maybe three or four sentences exchanged, but some type of communication has taken place. The lady goes into the store,……..and the guys jump on fixing her flat tire!

They had their own jack! The pit stop guys at a major race would have been proud of these guys. They quickly had the “flat as a flitter” tire removed. Did I mention that it was 13 degrees? Maybe that’s why they were so fast. As I was leaving, they were putting on the spare and the lady was walking out of the store with a much more appealing facial expression.

Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me Psalm 51:12

So many things in this world appear to be “out of order”, “not working”, “unplugged”. People are searching for something to help get them “on down the road”. Spiritually speaking it’s true as well. That’s where you and I come in.

Just like the amatuer tire changer guys, we have to be ready for those opportunities that will happen right before us. (Even in 13 degree weather). Spiritually speaking we need to help someone that has a “flat tire”, by lifting them up. We need to keep our “jumper cables” handy to help a fellow Christian “come alive”!

As you are out there, notice and be ready (even expecting) for those opportunities when you can share with others your Christian experience and God’s Love. Don’t think that everyone is out there handling their own situations with no problems to deal with. Surprise, surprise…………people everywhere are pulling in “needing help”. You’ve got to make the decision……. Is there an “out of order” sign hanging around your neck?

Dear Heavenly Father, restore unto me the JOY of knowing you each and every day. Recharge my battery so that I can help others come alive. I realize that by helping others, your presence is felt even more in me. But I need your courage and strength to be able to reach out to people. In this cold world, help me to share Your Love. I love You Lord. Amen.

See Ya! Dan Ainsworth wilderness preacher