Friday evening I drove 2 miles north of Towanda to help build a ramp for a lady, so she would have easier access to her house.  When I returned to my truck to leave, it would not start.

I tried several different methods to get the truck to start and it would not cooperate.  After a few moments of frustration, I pulled out the owner’s manual and read it.  I followed the instructions, but nothing happened.  I changed the sequence and order of what I was doing, but the truck would not start.

Saturday morning I had it towed to a Ford dealership in Wichita.  After pacing for about 3 hours, I was given the verdict:  The transponder ring in the ignition had to be replaced, so it could read the chip in the key.  If there is no communication between the ring and the key, the anti-theft system prevents the truck from starting.

I could put the key in the ignition and listen to the radio.  I could activate windows, and several different items on the instrument panel.  I could put the transmission in different gears and turn the steering wheel, but the engine would not run.

As I was thinking about this, it occurred to me that I have experienced this scenario in my personal life.  Everything can appear to be just fine from the outside; however, there is something wrong on the inside.

This happens when I allow something to get between me and God.  The saintly signal is interrupted, and I don’t go anywhere.  When this happens I have to shake off the cob webs and get right with God.

If there are times you find yourself in the same predicament, I encourage you to pray over some verses I use from Psalm 139:  Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting. 

Here’s a thought to keep you thinking:  Don’t try to play hide and seek with God when you’ve just asked Him to search your heart.