Paul looks down at the computer on the exercise bike, only 30 seconds to the end of the circuit. When the meter finally reaches the end, he proudly gets off, cleans the equipment and sits down to rest a while.
While driving back home, Paul feels proud because he believes he has achieved something the past 7 or 8 months since he has joined the gym. “Finally, Paul, you are fit,” he says to himself. “Thank You, Jesus!”
At that point, Jesus interrupts his thoughts. “Paul, go to Jeremy’s house. It is on your way home. In fact, you need to take the next turnoff. They are experiencing a crisis. Go talk to them.”
He takes a glance at his face in the rear view mirror. “Lord, I would prefer to go home and shower first because I am not very presentable at present. I’ll do that and will go immediately as soon as I’m done.”
Silence…
“Lord Jesus, why are You so quiet? Would it be fine to take a shower first? You do understand?” Paul says as he passes the turnoff to Jeremy’s. Silence…
“Please, Lord, speak to me!”
“Paul, you are so proud of the fact that you have become fit doing all that hard work in the gym. You may be physically fit, but you are unfit for the kingdom of God. When I ask you to do something, it is because it is necessary to do it at that point in time. Ten minutes from now will be too late. I know you need a shower, but they will understand.”
Paul turns the car around and drives to Jeremy’s home. An hour later, he greets Jeremy and his wife to go home. Finally, mission accomplished. In his heart, he feels so good. He could assist them and he made a difference in their lives.
On his way home Jesus says, “Well done, Paul, your obedience makes you fit for My kingdom on earth.” (Luke 9: 59-62)
“Thank You, Jesus!”