Working by Touch

One task I do not like is performing maintenance on one of our large machines.

This must be done two or three times per year depending upon usage.

I try to do this at the end of the day when everyone else has gone home.

I must first take apart the machine and lift out some of the heavier components.

I then lie down on the floor and insert my arm inside the machine and remove a dozen small parts.

I need to rely on my sense of touch for this operation as I can no longer see inside the machine.

Once these small parts have been removed, I need to replace them with new ones.

This also requires me to rely on my sense of touch to get the job done.

Once the new parts are installed I can get up from the floor.

I then reassemble the machine and power it up.

All that is left at this point is to test the machine and verify that it is functioning properly.

Having recently performed this task, reflection brought two passages of scripture to mind.

Philippians 4:13 (NET) – I am able to do all things through the one who strengthens me.

I can perform this task only because of the abilities given to me by God.

Just as I stretch my arm into the machine, similarly, God reaches into us.

It is His touch into our hearts that allows us to be saved.

Ephesians 2:8-10 (NET) - For by grace you are saved through faith, and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God; it is not from works, so that no one can boast. For we are his workmanship, having been created in Christ Jesus for good works that God prepared beforehand so we may do them.

I may not look forward to working on this machine again.

I certainly will not be able to look at it the same way again.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, July 13, 2018.

I’ll be back here on Friday, July 20, 2018