The dreaded orange cones came into view, signaling road work ahead. On a route I frequently travel, this three-mile stretch of highway is undergoing repairs: one lane, reduced speed, men working.
Heavy equipment operates just beyond the cones, moving dirt, dumping rock, burying pipes, and rebuilding the roadbed. Bulldozers grade the earth, front loaders shift massive loads, trench diggers, and even a crane—all are busy under the direction of men in hardhats. Skid steers and pickup trucks buzz between them while the construction crew's office runs on a generator.
We stop for a flagman, and I watch a tanker truck labeled FUEL lumber past. All this equipment needs fuel, probably daily, I think. This truck goes to a depot to bring back the supply that keeps the tractors moving. I imagine its driver is busy from dawn to dusk. My mind begins to drift, following that train of thought.
A honk jolts me to attention; we're moving again. I pass the flagman in his bright yellow vest and offer a slight wave.
Slowly, steadily, progress is made, and the road is rebuilt. Soon, hopefully not too long from now, the cones will vanish, all lanes will open, and we will marvel at the smooth new surface.
And you know what occurred to me?
Road construction is a lot like the Church. It's being built into something for God's glory. Ministries, acting like heavy machinery, serve the congregation. Preachers, worship leaders, and youth staff are like excavators and bulldozers which clear the way. Those who print bulletins, run the soundboard, or direct parking are like the essential support vehicles. Hospital and prison ministry, weddings, funeral services—each is a vital part of the local body of faith.
Like highway workers, all contribute to building God's kingdom on Earth. Maybe you're a dump truck, a cement mixer, or simply an orange cone. Each part is necessary, but I believe the most vital vehicle for that crew is that FUEL truck.
This truck doesn't dig, dump, or pave. Instead, it retrieves the fuel essential for all the other equipment to function. Now, the truck isn't the power—it obtains the power — the fuel, supplies it, and distributes it to the heavy machinery.
Prayer is a lot like that. Prayer retreats to the closet to seek the Spirit (who is the power) and, through intercession, supplies the ministries that serve the body and build the church.
Maybe you are a FUEL truck for your congregation?
Most people will drive right by without even a glance. But the Lord sees. He sees you coming to the depot for a daily supply of fuel. He fills you and you intercede for divine power to be supplied to all the equipment of ministry.
You see, without that truck, all the fancy heavy road construction machinery grinds to a halt. It is the same in the church without the ministry of intercession.
So my friends: Ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete. (John 16:24)
