Lesson from a lawn mower

I learned a lesson while working on a lawn mower Saturday. One of my sons couldn't get his mower started, an asked if I could help. I have learned that it takes three things to make an engine run. The correct fuel / air mixture, compression, and ignition. The first thing I checked was the spark, or ignition. I got it working, and tried to start the engine with no results. Next I checked the fuel, after doing a little work on the carburetor, I tried again to start it with no results. Next I checked the compression which was high enough to run, but the engine still would not start. I even checked to make sure the timing was correct. Finally, I tried a new spark plug, and the engine started on the first pull. The spark plug would fire when it was out of the engine, but would not fire when it was in the engine under compression.

Later that evening, as I was thinking about the whole process, I believe the Lord showed me a spiritual application for what happened. Some people profess to have the fire of the Holy Spirit in their lives, and there is evidence that it is true when everything is going great, but when trials and pressures come into their lives, the fire is just not there. When Jesus was baptized by John in the Jordan river, the Holy Spirit descended on him and he was led into the wilderness, where he was temped by the Devil. Because of his relationship with the Father, and being filled with the Holy Spirit, Jesus was able to face the temptation and overcome the Devil.

Lord, continue to fill me daily with your Holy Spirit, so that I will withstand the tests of the enemy.