Foot on the Gas

The last few posts have been about looking for ministry opportunities and the guessing game of ferry travel in The Gambia. As I reflected on my recent ferry crossing which happened to be a very swift one I was reminded of the need to have my “foot on the gas” and always be ready to move, step on the gas and not miss an opportunity.

The #1 rule when you are in line at the ferry with a car (or walking across in a group of people) is stick very tightly to the car or person in front of you. Do not lag behind, do not give too much space, do not be slow to move, do not miss a potential opportunity. Be prepared and keep your foot on the gas pedal. For those who are not old school like me, we drive manual transmission vehicles so I can have one foot on the gas and the other foot on the clutch while keeping the car stationary, but ready to move with the slightest shift of pressure.

While waiting for the ferry you might think you could relax, but you never know when a window will open up for you to have the opportunity to move closer to the dock or into a more strategic location. It is essential to always stay alert and looking for the slight nod or wave that marks the open door to go further.

I could not help but relate this alertness, this preparedness, this readiness to move forward at any opportunity to ministry and opportunities to share biblical truths. Yes, we need to be prayerful and patient in all situations. However, we must always be ready to jump forward into an open path and opportunity if one presents itself. We must not get complacent and sit back enjoying where we are. We must have our foot on the gas ready with the slightest shift of pressure to enter into an open door for Christ. And while my little car has a good amount of power under the hood, the power we Believers have in the Holy Spirit to enter into whatever path opens up to share is immensely greater.