Ephesians 2:8-9 – For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God — not by works, so that no one can boast. (NIV)

After only fifteen hours of work, my new pressure washer began to slow down. When I stopped it, I soon discovered that it had run dry of oil, and had overheated and seized up. The motor would not turn over — a brand-new pressure washer — ruined! I felt terrible. Later, I discovered that the instruction manual said to change the oil after five hours, and to check it every eight hours. It also said, "This warranty does not extend to repairs required because of parts which are scored or broken because an engine was operated with insufficient or contaminated lubricating oil."

God supplies us with an Instruction Manual, the Bible, which tells us how best to live, and how to avoid breaking down and seizing up. Oh! If we would only read it!

I didn't sleep well that night, thinking about what I should do. The next morning, it struck me that I needed to trust that God had a plan for all this, and to "give thanks in all circumstances" (1 Thessalonians 5:18 NIV). So I thanked God that He had it all under control. I first phoned a friend who knows about small engines, but he wasn't home. Then, when I looked at the machine, I saw a toll-free service number, and it turned out that the company that makes the machines is located only ten miles away. Despite my neglect, out of pure grace, the company repaired the motor under warranty, much to my relief. God really did have it all under control!

If ever there was a human example of the grace of God, this was it! We do not deserve the repairs that He makes in our lives. If "the soul who sins is the one who will die" (Ezekiel 18:20 NIV), then we should all pay the price for our own sins. But Jesus paid it for us on the cross. What amazing grace!

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You didn't have to die on account of our sins, but You did. Thank You for caring so much for us that You laid down Your life. Remind us continually, so that we do not fail to thank You for Your amazing grace. Amen.

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About the author:

Robin Ross <rross@telus.net>
Mission, British Columbia, Canada
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