Ninety one miles one way does not seem like a long trip under ordinary circumstances, the long drive goes by quickly on a clear sunny day in May or June but when one adds to the mix a sloppy, snowy, wet winter day in January then the trip becomes more of an adventure. Having driven truck for a number of years I knew the importance of having a clean windshield and clean mirrors. The importance of seeing well under adverse circumstances is very important. Before leaving for a trip I am sure to check to see if there is adequate windshield washer fluid in the reservoir and the wipers work probably. After clearing the window of snow and ice and cleaning the side windows and mirrors and even washing off the headlamps I am ready to embark on the journey.
The thermometer read 1 degree Fahrenheit that Sunday morning. The bitter cold went right through you and stung exposed skin causing instant wind burn. Prolonged exposure to the bitter cold would produce frost bite on unprotected skin. On a morning like this, one can be very thankful for heaters. I had rented a 4X4 for that weekend because the forecast called for a major snow storm to come through the area. I warmed up the Jeep Cherokee and started on the journey of 91 miles. The driving conditions were less than perfect but surprisingly good after a major snow storm. All went well as I journeyed north. Once I reached the highway I felt it would be smooth sailing from there to my destination. Things were going well until that first truck passed me and splattered the windshield with salt and grime from the road surface. The windshield wipers were called into action streaking the windshield with interesting patterns of smears and globs of road mess. Pressing the button for the washer fluid failed to bring forth the much needed solvent to clear the grime from the windshield. The bitter cold had frozen the tiny holes that allow for the wiper fluid to flow to the windshield. Visibility was now reduced to straining through the streaks on the windshield and trying to avoid being passed by yet another slush throwing eighteen wheeler.

What does one do in a situation as this? How do you go about clearing a grime streaked windshield when all the tools at your disposal are not operating properly? All though the wipers were functioning properly the failure of the washer fluid to come to the rescue made the driving unsafe at best and hazardous at the worst. There was nothing that could be done at the moment but attempt to make it the 12 miles to the next exit were there was a service center to clear the windshield and attempt to fix the problem with the washers.Although the next 12 miles were nerve wracking the trip was otherwise uneventful. The windshield was once again cleared and the washer reservoir was checked for adequate fluid levels. Attempts were made to unfreeze the tiny holes where the fluid would come out to hit the windshield but because it was so cold this attempt failed. It was important to complete the journey so once again I entered the highway and drove onward only to be passed after only a few miles by yet another slush slinging monster truck. And again my visibility was reduced to straining through the streaked windshield until the next service center or rest stop. An otherwise easy drive to church that morning was turned into a stressful even frightful experience because of the lack of visibility.

Thinking about that trip I have come to realize a few things about life here on this third rock from the sun. Many are going through life with less then clear visibility. Their visions have been clouded and grimed over with slush and dirt from the highways of life from those who are passing by at a quicker pace kicking up vision clouding residue. Without the living water provided by JESUS and His word they too are traveling down the highway at unsafe speeds with less then perfect vision risking a catastrophe. Many have left for the journey without checking to see if there was an adequate reserve of water in the reservoir for proper cleaning of the windshields. Many failed to check the condition of the wiper blades or bothered to clean the mirrors. Add to this the need for speed and expediency and we have a recipe for disaster.

How does one maintain clear visibility in a dirty slush filled world? How does one clear off the windshields of their spiritual lives without the water of God’s word as a source? Many like me that cold Sunday morning are relying on the availability of service centers along the way where they can stop and clean off the windshield so they can continue down the highway of life. This option, though helpful, is certainly not the recommended method of maintaining clear vision. Having a reservoir of clear water is recommended but that water does not do any good if it never makes it to the windshield. If there is an obstruction between the reservoir and the windshield then even though you have an adequate supply of cleaner on board it will do you no good if it can not be applied were it is needed. When one’s way gets cloudy and the vision seems unclear it is not enough to just have WATER on board you must be able to USE it to clear up the windshield.

Now it came to pass on a certain day, that he went into a ship with his disciples: and he said unto them, Let us go over unto the other side of the lake. And they launched forth. But as they sailed he fell asleep: and there came down a storm of wind on the lake; and they were filled with water, and were in jeopardy. And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Master, master, we perish. Then he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm. And he said unto them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, What manner of man is this! for he commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey him. Luke 8: 22-25

Although Jesus was with the disciples in the same boat they were unable to apply the needed faith to clear up their situation. They had all the tools that they needed on board and the ship was made ready for the trip but along the way the conditions changed which called upon the use of those resources and they failed to utilize that reserve. They could not see clearly through the storm to navigate their way to the other side without Jesus’ help. We too are on a journey wrought with many unforeseen obstacles and vision clouding storms. How is your spiritual equipment holding up? Is it time for a maintenance check-up at the local service center? Is it time for an overhaul? Is there a need to replace worn wiper blades and low fluid levels? Is there a need to call upon Jesus for that never ending storm you are going through so He can cause it to stop? Have you even bothered to see if Jesus was in the ship with you making the journey? It is not safe to travel with poor vision; the risks are too great and the consequences too severe.

They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up on wings like eagles Ish 40:31