Though this happened to me in my 20s, it still comes to mind as an advantage because I have sworn it will never happen again.
It happened on a morning when I thought I was too busy to stop. I had places to be and a list in my head that was already longer than the day. As I backed out of the driveway, the gas light flashed on. I saw it… acknowledged it… and then convinced myself, “I’ll fill up later.” Later never came.
A few miles down the road, the engine sputtered. Not a polite reminder—but a firm declaration that my “I’ll-be-fine” mindset had caught up with me. Within seconds, the car shut down, and I rolled to the shoulder with nothing but momentum and frustration.
As I sat there, I couldn’t help but think of Jesus’ parable the Pastor preached on Sunday:
"Then the Kingdom of Heaven will be like ten bridesmaids who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom… The five who were foolish didn’t take enough olive oil for their lamps.” — Matthew 25:1–3 (NLT)
For the first time, that parable felt personal. Those foolish bridesmaids weren’t unbelievers. They weren’t mocking or careless. They knew the bridegroom. They were waiting for Him. They had lamps. They had oil to start with.
Their mistake wasn't unbelief—it was under-preparation. They assumed what they had would be enough. They thought they could refill later. They didn’t expect the delay.
And sitting there in my immobilized car, I realized: I had done the same thing spiritually many times.
Many Christians know Jesus and understand salvation, but their spiritual lives gradually run dry because they don’t stay close to Him day after day. They skip time in the Word. They postpone prayer. They drift from church. They succumb to fellowship with those who don't believe in the Lord and once again participate in negative activities that pull them even further from God. They try to rely on yesterday’s spiritual moments to fuel today’s battles. And when difficulty or darkness hits, their spiritual tank is empty—and the enemy pounces on the opportunity.
It’s not that they don’t love Jesus. It’s that they didn’t stay filled.
As I waited for roadside help, the Lord gently impressed something on my heart:
“This is what happens when you try to run on yesterday’s fuel. Of course, don't do this with your car, but more importantly, don't let it happen in your spiritual life. Spend time with me in my word and in prayer. Stay filled!”
Eventually, help arrived. The man poured enough gas into my tank to get me moving again. And as I drove to the nearest station, I couldn’t help but smile at the grace of God. He does the same for our hearts—meeting us in our emptiness, restoring us, and calling us back to a daily walk with Him.
The wise bridesmaids were ready because they valued preparation. They stayed supplied. They lived expecting the bridegroom.
We can do the same. Don’t let your spiritual life run on fumes. Don’t wait for a crisis to discover you needed more oil. Take time today to fill your heart with Jesus—in His Word, in prayer, and in His church.
"Be dressed for service and keep your lamps burning.” — Luke 12:35 (NLT)
Prayer: Lord Jesus, help me stay spiritually full and close to You each day. Don’t let me drift or run on empty. Fill me with fresh oil through Your Word, prayer, worship, and the fellowship of believers. Keep my lamp burning brightly for You. In Jesus’ name, Amen!
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