When the Air Goes Out - Martin Wiles

Series: The Truth about Trials

Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. James 1:2 NLT

Psssss. The sound concerned us … and we investigated.

My wife and I were out for a day’s ride with a couple who were looking for a campsite. The husband had been in a wreck and had received a settlement for his injuries and lost time at work. With the money, they bought a small camper and a new truck to pull it with—a nice truck with all the bells and whistles.

As he turned into a campsite, he neared a jagged stump beside the entrance. I thought nothing of him hitting it. After all, we rode in a tough Dodge Ram with large tires. Sure enough, the back tire brushed the stump. The next sound we heard was air escaping.

The husband stopped, we all got out, and we watched as the tire deflated within thirty seconds. A piece of wood from the stump had punctured the side of the tire. We were flabbergasted—that a small piece of anything could tackle a tire such as this—and the husband was dejected.

 

Next came the task of figuring out how to lower the spare tire from beneath the truck … on a hot summer day. With all of us working together, we managed to get the tire changed. Within an hour, we were back on the road again. And we didn’t let the episode ruin our view of the campsite. We all eventually camped there.

I don’t remember this trial bringing joy to any of us, but there was a bright side. “At least, we had a spare,” the husband remarked. I carried his trying-to-look-on-the-bright side attitude one step farther: “At least, the spare had air in it.”

Trials promote fellowship (Acts 14:22). The four of us were already together, but we were together to a greater degree when we had to change the tire. All of us have ailments of one sort or another, so changing the monster tire took team effort.

When tough times hit, it’s comforting to have fellow believers to share with. People who will come alongside and give their presence, share their experiences, and help in various ways. The fellowship decreases the intensity of the trial, giving assurance that if others made it through then we can too.

Don’t isolate yourself when the tough times hit. This isn’t the time to show your toughness, but rather your dependence.

Prayer: Father, as You are there for us during life’s trials, so help us to be there for others.

Tweetable: Are your trials taking your breath away?

Thanks to all our faithful followers who are "sharing" our posts--please keep it up! We also invite you to follow and like us on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, and Instagram. Help us spread God's encouragement through His Love Lines.