Buc-ee’s is a Texas chain of travel centers known for its clean bathrooms, many gas pumps, and an adorable red-hat wearing beaver mascot. Our family, makes sure that Buc-ee’s is a regular stop on any road trip. No matter what time of day we stop there, our routine is the same. We go in, go to the bathroom, grab my son’s favorite beef jerky, my daughter’s favorite jalapeño kolache, my husband’s brisket sandwich and I make sure to grab one of their Crispy Treats. There’s something so comforting about stopping at Buc-ee’s, because we know we can count on the same service, the same food, the same atmosphere, and the same clean bathroom. In essence, we feel safe at Buc-ee’s.
On any road trip, or any car trip in general, we will inevitably have one child pipe up from the back seat and say, “Are we there yet?” I know what they are thinking, “This ride is too long, and it's too boring, and I don’t have the patience to wait this out.” On the rare occasion where we may have taken a different route, or missed an exit, it begins panic within our children. We, as parents, aren’t flustered because we always figure it out. We know we can get back on course. But our kids don’t know that we know how to read a map, or we know which route may be busy or have construction. We can see that they are worried, and we work hard to reassure them so they can have peace. We try to communicate that it’s okay, and we’ll get there. We may need to take a different route or take a longer way, but we’ll get there.
I’ve learned that my heart sometimes says, “God, are we there yet? Can we just bypass this long trip and get to the good part?” It’s as if I’m unsure God knows the way, or maybe is unaware that we are taking a longer, more difficult and sometimes a scarier route. Sometimes the Holy Spirit gently reminds me that I am like my kids. Sometimes the Holy Spirit gently reminds me that God’s got this—he’s got me, and things may not be going as I had expected (like ever), but to trust He knows the way. The Holy Spirit reminds me to take comfort and safety in Him and His Word. God is to me like how Buc-ee’s is to my kids: that safe place we go to when our journey feels too long, too tiresome or too scary. It’s a wonderful reminder of how good and big our God really is.
I’ve come to really trust God and His Word. So, if God is like Buc-ees, then the “crispy treat, jerky, kolache, and brisket sandwich” is that special scripture that I go to in times of distress. It’s that verse (or verses) that God gave me, maybe years ago, that gives me peace. It allows me to take a deep breath and know that things might not be as I had thought or maybe I feel completely lost right now, but He knows the way. He’s got this. He always has and always will. The God of the universe is unphased by my panic.
Remember the faithful times and remember the scripture that brought you through the difficult situations in the past and read it, meditate on it, allow it to transform your mind.
So, what’s your crispy treat? What are the verses that got you through hard times in the past? Verses that gave you comfort and reminds you of who HE truly is.
When you are in a panic, it’s hard to find verses. But if you write it down, put it on your mirror, fridge, or a screensaver and memorize it, the Holy Spirit will be like that person next to you that helps you to breathe and remember (insert verse). When we hit a bump on this journey, we may tap God on the shoulder and say “Umm God I don’t know if you know but…”
“My child just got diagnosed with…”
God says, Breathe, Fear not, for I am with you, be not dismayed, for I am your God: I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand. (Isaiah 41:10)
“I just got laid off from my job and I am the sole provider…”
God says, Breathe, I will meet your every need out of my riches in the glory that is found in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19)
“My spouse is very ill, I have 3 children, and I can’t do this alone…”
God says, Breathe, Do not be afraid or discouraged…I will be with you; I will neither fail you nor abandon you.” (Deuteronomy 31:8)
“I worry about what these test results will be…”
God says, Breathe, Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.` (John 14:27)
Next time you find yourself anxious about something, be it big or small, be it getting passed over for a promotion, possibly losing your job, a health crisis, or losing a loved one, remember to breathe…
In this life, you will have trials of many kinds, but take heart! For my JESUS has overcome the world!! (John 16:33)
He’s got this. He’s got you. Let His Word, His presence, and His peace invade you. He’ll never let you down. You can trust Him, even more than an adorable red-hat wearing beaver. He is your safe place and your constant. He’s the same God yesterday, today and forever. Now go revisit that scripture again and enjoy your special crispy treat.
FORMED
God is calling us, the people of Irving Bible Church, to become a multi-ethnic movement of missionary disciples, formed in the way of Jesus for the sake of the world.
We want to be a transformed people who experience vibrant spiritual growth together. We want the Spirit of God to shape us more and more into the likeness of Jesus as we follow him.