How long does it take to stop and get a full tank of gas? Based on my experience, a stop at the gas station can take anywhere from 5 minutes to over 20 years. Most of you are probably thinking, “How can it take 20 years to acquire a full tank of gas?” The funny thing is, a great majority of the people listening to this message are running on an empty tank.
When I talk about stopping to fill up your gas tank, you probably initially thought about a car, a truck, or some other man-made vehicle that helps you get to and from your destination. But I’m talking about a vehicle that’s driving your spirit, your essence. Let’s digress for a moment and think about that man-made vehicle with wheels that you’ve driven into the gas station because your tank was empty. How long did it take you to fill up your tank? Were you alone? Did you go inside to get snacks, use the restroom, or get distracted?
Why am I asking these questions? Because, just like with a car, filling up your spiritual tank can be delayed by distractions and other people. You understand that the longer you stay at the gas station, the more time you lose getting to your destination. Time will not stop for you.
What if I told you that the reason you feel stuck, stagnant, and complacent is because most of you are being driven by something you don’t even recognize? Your tank remains empty. You stopped at the gas station, but you still have an empty tank.
If you’re still listening, it’s because you want to fill up your tank. Maybe you’ve been trying to fill up your tank for days, weeks, months, or even years. The problem is, instead of being the driver in your life with a desired outcome, you’ve taken the role of a passenger. You’ve allowed someone or something else to choose where you should go and when you will get there.
It took me over 20 years to fill up my tank and take the spiritual wheel. My gas station had abusive relationships, people who did not value me, liars, cheaters, betrayal, fake friends, and everything not aligned with my passion and purpose. For over 20 years, my tank remained empty because that gas station only offered diesel, and premium was the only type of gas that could fuel my faith, peace, happiness, hope, and strength.
On December 31, 2015, I asked myself a question: “When are you going to take back the wheel and get to where you are destined to go?” As the tears rolled down my face, I took a deep breath and responded, “Now!” I took the wheel and drove myself and my daughter out of an invaluable relationship and away from all the people who misused and mistreated me. Because I took the wheel, my tank is always full.
I want you to write down four questions. Once you can answer these questions, your circumstances will change, your life will change, your direction will change, and you will begin filling up your tank.
Question #1: What is my desired outcome?
Question #2: Why do I want this outcome so badly?
Question #3: How do I plan to achieve this outcome?
Question #4: When am I going to take back the wheel and get to where I am destined to go?
This message is a premium gas station that you just stopped at. When are you going to fill up your tank? Don’t waste your time and energy on people who will do anything to prevent you from getting to your destination. Be mindful of the people who want you to stop so they can walk down the aisles endlessly at a diesel gas station you cannot use. Be aware of the people who are not ready to go when you’re ready to grow. Be cautious and clear about who can travel with you and who you must leave behind.
Every stop you make should have intent and purpose, and sometimes you will have to take the drive alone to get there faster. When you make strategic pit stops to fill up your tank, you will find opportunities that help you go further. Start filling up your tank today! Get in your spiritual vehicle and drive over every speed bump until you reach your desired outcome.
