Yes, you read that right.
Last summer Dave and I purchased a Jeep and for the past seven months we have been equipping it with all the equipment and gear we need for overlanding. Winches, roof top tent, lift kit, bigger tires, recover boards, camp kitchen, solar generator, refrigerator, etc. You get the picture. We were prepared and ready to go.
And that’s where we’ve been for the last four days – out at the desert lake. We had a marvelous time. We learned so much about our equipment and ourselves. Who says “old people can’t do this”?
This image is of our last night’s sunset. What a wonderful time!
We also learned that some of the items we brought were unnecessary and some of them were ill-suited. Those will be left at home next time and new items will replace them. We found the tent was sturdy and stable even in some pretty heavy wind.
We worked together; we walked, talked, read our books, cooked together and spoke of the future, wondering what else God has in store. It was an amazing time and we are looking forward to our next adventure.
A shaken down cruise is it a lot like living the Word of God.
You have the equipment – your Bible, a good commentary, a heart touching message on the subject. Now, you need to get out in the field or the desert and put it into practice. The equipment does you no good left in the box or packed neatly in the back of the Jeep.
It needs to be used.
There are four verses that are the basis for my daily walk. They are my basic equipment for living.
“But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6 NKJV
“… for whatever is not from faith is sin.” Romans 14:22-23 NKJV
“ For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love.” Galatians 5:6 NKJV
“Love is kind and patient, never jealous, boastful, proud, or rude. Love isn’t selfish or quick tempered. It doesn’t keep a record of wrongs that others do. 6 Love rejoices in the truth, but not in evil. 7 Love is always supportive, loyal, hopeful, and trusting. 8 Love never fails!” I Corinthians 13:4-8 CEV
Let’s put this equipment to work.
I want to please God the Father each and every day so I must have faith. Whatever I do that is not done in faith is sin; in order for faith to truly work it must have love as its foundation. To have effective faith I must be walking in love and love is kind, patient, unselfish, not rude or jealous, boastful or proud. Love assumes the best and is supportive, loyal and trusting – it never fails.
My decisions, actions and reactions need to be based on knowing God’s amazing love for me; His character is love and He shares that with me so that I can walk in faith and please Him. Never faith in my own works or abilities but always in His! Then and only then is my day truly successful!
Shakedown cruise complete, equipment tested. Walk in faith and please the Father today!