By Shane Kastler
Soichiro and Sachi were a married couple who lived in Japan in the late 1940s. Times were tough and food was scarce in the post-World War II era; so Sachi would get on her bicycle every morning and ride around looking for a place to get rice to eat. Soichiro had been a good provider in the past, but had fallen into a funk. He spent most of his time piddling around the yard, tinkering with his tools. Sachi eventually got frustrated with him, and told him that from now on he could get up every morning, get on the bike, and go look for rice. But Soichiro didn't like that idea at all. He had a different idea.
Soichiro told Sachi that he would rig up a motor for her bicycle so she could travel around more easily. His contraption worked, and Sachi was quite pleased with her new transportation. Soichiro was also pleased, and thought he might be able to make a living by selling this “motorbikes.” Since the war had ended there was a surplus of small motors that were being tossed aside as worthless. So Soichiro started hoarding them up and making “motorbikes.” He assumed his primary customers would be Japanese women like Sachi, who would appreciate the convenience of not having to peddle. Initially, this was his primary customer, but eventually men started buying the bikes also. And soon Soichiro had a booming business that would provide for his family. What was Soichiro and Sachi's last name? Honda.
Sometimes in life, we just need a little “kick in the pants” to get us motivated. And sometimes God provides this. God also has a way of providing for us in ways we would not imagine. Interestingly enough, He provides for the temporal needs of both believers and unbelievers alike. Jesus said, “He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” (Matthew 5:45) And we know that the sun and rain provide the necessary ingredients for crops to grow, so that we might live. But life is more than food, and living is more than breathing. There are spiritual needs as well.
Jesus came to earth so that we might have eternal life. He lived a life of sinless perfection and died a sacrificial death on the cross to pay for the sins of those who would trust in Him. As sinners, we are called to repent and believe in Jesus; committing our life to Him by faith. And when this happens, we are saved and granted eternal life. Our life on earth is radically changed, and our eternal future will be unending joy in Heaven. Do you know Christ? Have you trusted in Him for salvation? Are you following Him daily in loving obedience? He has provided for your temporal needs, all throughout your life. Trust Him today, for your eternal needs as well.
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