F.O.R.D.

I guess the joke is true after all. Our new (to us) car of 2 months, died today and left April stranded in town. It, of course, is a Ford. A 2002 Focus wagon to be exact. The #1 selling car in the world. The joke that used to go around - and perhaps still does - suggested that the letters of Ford stood for Found On Road Dead. As of this afternoon, that statement took on a whole new meaning for me.
Well, as you can imagine, no one expects or wants something that they've invested in to fail them - especially so quickly. The car was, after all, inspected thoroughly by a reputable dealer prior to the purchase. It had been well maintained by the previous owner under a leased condition. The mileage was not high. The price was right. It seemed like the perfect buy.
But there I was, standing on the side of the road, watching the tow truck load my car onto the flatbed - and all after only 2 payments.
As it turns out, it appears that the problem is with the alternator. It needs to be replaced. A belt also had been damaged, and needed to be replaced. There is also the fee for the tow. The $$$ signs were beginning to mount.
Back when we bought the car, the dealer tried to get us to purchase an extended warranty. I'm not a fan of such things - feeling that it is wasted money. The package that he was 'pushing' sounded great but was rather expensive in my mind. Surely nothing would go wrong with my car, I thought. However, after talking with April, we decided that it would be best to have the security and peace of mind.
As I reviewed the warranty coverage today, I took note that it said towing was covered; labour was covered and alternator replacement was covered. Oh, how I love that extended warranty!
Yesterday, I took part in the funeral of an 80 year old man. By everyone's account, he was a great person and a model citizen (25 year veteran of the military). The thing that struck me most though, was when his grandson got up and spoke of a moment that occurred just 4 years ago. A former pastor was visiting him and had asked the question, "If you died today, do you know that you'd go to heaven?" His response, was honest - "No". The pastor assured him that he could know, and that day he became a Christian - trusting his future with Jesus Christ.
Today, that gentleman is in heaven - in the presence of the Lord. Not because he was good or kind or had invested much in his life. But because he had accepted the warranty.
The unique thing about this warranty however, is that someone else paid the cost (see John 3:16). All that is needed to be under its coverage is to accept the free offer. Have you?

"Send Revival, Start with Me."

Pastor Ken