Kim and I have been getting some much needed repairs on our vehicles over the past month. We both own older cars, and there is a reason for this. I’ll post about why we own older cars and are not going out and buying new ones later on.

We had some work done on her 95 Honda Odyssey about 3 weeks ago that fixed an oil leak, replaced a power steering pump and a few other items. I affectionately call it the “Silver Bullet”.

Well, my 97 Honda Accord has been leaking some oil as well and the A/C hasn’t worked properly in a few years. I put a can of coolant in it every month of the summer (which around here is like 5 to 6 months), and it still struggles to keep cool. So, I took it in to the shop to get fixed and here is what I had repaired to fix the issues: new A/C evaporator coil, three oil seals replaced, timing belt replaced, new water pump among a few other items..if you’re hearing the ka-ching, ka-ching, ka-ching ($$$$$$$$$) sound in your head, then you would be correct….it cost more dough than I wanted it to, but it was necessary.

We picked up the Accord last night from the shop and man, does it cool now. Drives great! Pulled in to my driveway, and all of the sudden the engine oil light comes on, park it in the garage quickly, and turn it off. I get out of the car and the engine fan is humming trying to cool that puppy off. And then I smell it…..burning oil. I’m about to freak b/c I just know that my engine is laying on the garage floor. I check under the car and fortunately my engine is still intact but you can see where it looks like some oil is leaking down the sides. I think one of the new seals they just put in is hosed…..

It is night, the shop is closed, they are closed on Saturdays and Sundays so I call and leave what I’m sure sounds like a desperate message. So, here I am, it is Saturday, my car sits in my garage, and I can’t drive it. I’ve forked out a good bit of money already, and I’m REALLY hoping the shop will replace/fix what the issue is.

Last night I prayed about it a good bit and fortunately was able to sleep last night without thinking about it. Got up this morning and was thinking about the cars again and the Lord brought a verse to my mind that we had been studying in home group this week, particularly 2 verses:

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. ” Philippians 4:6-7

I really think that the Lord uses car ownership in my life to build my faith and trust. I’ve had some interesting tests of my faith over the years involving cars, some that I’ll share down the road. I’m going to give this back to the Lord and ask him to build my trust in Him and receive His peace. That’s easier said than done sometimes, but God builds our faith through trials. Right now, I’m praying that Jesus will not only “take the wheel” but will also take the transmission, the crankshaft, the oil leaks…………. 🙂