The Filling Station by Carol Perkowski
And to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:19 (ESV)
Many years ago, before convenience stores and self-service gas pumps, there were filling stations. Back then, we would pull up to the pump and a man would come up to the driver’s window and ask, “How can I help you today?” He was called the front man (or full-service worker). He not only filled our gas tank, but he would also check our oil, radiator coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, air filter, and the air in our tires. He filled everything up. Hence the name filling station.
Churches today are meant to be the filling stations for Christians. On Sunday, we go and get filled and refreshed with God’s word so we can go forth and minister to others during the week. We come to be filled and then by the power of the Holy Spirit, we become the full-service workers by seeking out those who need love, joy and peace. We look for those who are down and out. Pray for others on the spot. Encourage others with phone calls, texts, or notes. Help the underdogs. Smile. Taking the Good News out to the world is vital because people need Jesus more than ever.
When we use the Holy Spirit fuel in our tank by ministering to anyone, we are doubly blessed. We experience the joy of helping someone and are given even more fuel by the Spirit, with which to serve. As Christian full-service workers, that is really good news .
We can trust that the Holy Spirit will guide us over and over again to those who are running on empty.
Lord Jesus, thank You for keeping our tanks full with Your Spirit to be ready, willing and able to serve! AMEN.