I took my youngest son, Britton, to his first NASCAR race on Saturday night.  It was an awesome sight, as B and I watched the event with 160,000 other screaming spectators.

We started watching from the infield- up close and personal to the cars, drivers and their crews.  It looked like an overgrown bee hive, with dozens of brightly-colored team members swarming around each car. 

With the drop of the checkered flag the 43 cars started racing around the oval track at breakneck speed. The noise level of the cars and the capacity crowd was deafening. 

Britton asked a million dollar question:  “Dad- what if these stadium lights were to go out?  None of these cars have headlights.”

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. Psalm 119:105

Britton had asked a question that only someone with a clear, innocent mind of a child could ask. 

We had been close enough to the vehicles that he could tell that the headlights weren’t real. They were decals. If the lights of the stadium had gone out, the drivers, crew members and spectators would have been in grave danger. 

Isn’t life like this?  Our existence is a high-speed activity. We run from task to task without giving much thought to the meaning of what we are doing. We are simply racing around. When emergencies or troubles arise, we are ill-prepared to respond.

What about our headlights?

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”  John 8:12

Jesus calls us to know him. We have an opportunity to be filled with the illuminating power of God’s word. 

Troubled?  

Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.  I Peter 5:7

Need hope?

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.  Jeremiah 29:11

Jesus is the light for the world. We are called to be filled with light (Matthew 5) and our only source for this is to seek Jesus. 

I struggle with just wearing a decal- when I need to be a light source. 

Pray for me to seek light each day. I need it. And please let me know how I may pray for you. 

God bless.