This past week, a friend of mine — whose name I will not mention — had some car trouble more than 500 miles from his home. If you've ever been in that situation, it is certainly disconcerting to say the least. What do you do? Who do you call? How much will it cost? All these questions rush through your mind. In my friend's case, it was just a matter of putting gas in the gas tank. Unfortunately he had already had to pay a tow truck — now do you see why he will remain nameless?

In his defense, he ran out of gas while his gas gauge was showing that he still had a quarter of a tank of fuel remaining. Of course, I couldn't help but see a spiritual application in this event.

How many people do you suppose are trusting in a "fallible gauge"? How many people do you think are being told they're alright, but their "spiritual tank" is actually empty?

I do know that on the day of judgment that there will be some who stand before Christ who will be surprised that they are not saved. (Matthew 7:21-23)

To avoid such a fate, we must trust in the only "gauge" that will never fail and never mislead us ... the word of God.

Friends, spend time in God's word so that you can make your calling and election sure.

Their "spiritual tank" is actually empty!

So, dear brothers and sisters, work hard to prove that you really are among those God has called and chosen. Doing this, you will never stumble or fall away.For you know that God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors. And the ransom he paid was not mere gold or silver. He paid for you with the precious lifeblood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God. (2 Peter 1:10; 1 Peter 1:18-19 NLT)