Drive long enough on four good tires and you’ll eventually have a flat. It’s expected, that’s why we all have a spare tire in our trunk or under our car. I remember when my wife and I were first married. Our love was big, our money was small, and our tires were beyond bald. One day I had two blowout at the same time! There’s not much one spare will do at that moment. I’ll never forget a guy I knew in my church (yes, even a deacon!) drove by slowly and waved. I called him from my limited-minute bag phone and he said he didn’t have time to stop, but he’d pray for me to get help. Now I can use all the prayer I can get, but what I really needed at that moment was help, a ride, HIS DONUT. That’s why I always stop to help someone I see with a flat. I don’t want to be that guy!

I had a flat on my camper on the way back from vacation recently. I was prepared. I checked my spare before I left, packed the proper tools, and even rehearsed what I’d do on the side of the busy interstate with my family waiting in the car. I even had a helper and we changed that tire in about 10 minutes and we were back on the road. Inconvenient, but we weren’t stranded or hopeless.

Flats happen on cars and even in life. I have a friend who had screws in all four tires once because someone dropped a box of screws on the road. We must prepare for flats in life. Proper soul maintenance is vital. We must pack some spare hope, faith, and encouragement for when we are deflated and damaged. It’s when the double flat happens that we need someone to stop and help.

Aren’t you glad God gave us His Holy Spirit to fill us when we get low? You see, He knew there would be times we’d run flat. There would be times when we would be damaged, punctured, worn, stranded, and immovable and we would need a Helper to get back on the road of life. What’s great is our Manufacturer is way better than the one-use cheap donut supplier. Those won’t take you anywhere far or fast. They are temporary. He really isn’t our spare, He’s our permanent upgrade. The word “spirit” means breath or air. He breaths new life into us! He doesn’t wave and say, “Sorry, you’ve used up all your spares. I’ll pray you get help from someone, somewhere, somehow.” Jesus said, “And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— the Spirit of truth” (John 14:16).

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stephenrharrison

Stephen and his wife Haley have called Arkansas home all of their lives. Stephen has served in several ministry roles over the last 25 years and as a lead pastor for the last 8 years. Stephen attended Williams Baptist College and earned a BA in Biblical Studies from Ouachita Baptist University, an MA, MDiv, and DMin in Christian Leadership and Pastoral Ministries from Liberty University. When not pastoring, Stephen enjoys running, cycling, reading, writing, camping, fishing, and spending time with his family.