Saturday, March 7, 2009

The Pit Stop


In motor sports, a pit stop is where a racing vehicle stops in the pits during a race for refueling, new tires, repairs, mechanical adjustments, a driver change, or any combination of the above.

By making pit stops cars can carry less fuel, and therefore are lighter and faster. They have to use softer tires that wear faster but provide more grip. Teams usually plan for each of their cars to pit following a planned schedule. The number of stops is determined by the fuel capacity of the car, tire lifespan, and trade off of time lost in the pits versus how much time may be gained on the race track through the benefits of the pit stop.

Choosing the optimum pit strategy of how many stops to make and when to make them is crucial in having a successful race. Pit strategy becomes one of the most important features of the race; this is because a race car traveling at 100 miles per hour will travel approximately 150 feet per second. During a ten-second pit stop, all of a car's competitors will gain approximately one-quarter mile over the stopped car.

However, the car that made the additional pit stop will run faster on the race track than cars that did not make the stop, both because it can carry a smaller amount (and thus lower weight) of fuel, and will also have less wear on its tires, providing more traction and allowing higher speeds in the corners.

The pit strategy is calculated carefully so that the amount of time "waiting" in pit stops is balanced out by the time gained while on the track, resulting, theoretically, in the shortest possible time to cover the scheduled distance.

Isa 40:31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
There are those that will always walk with the foot soldiers. There are those that will run with the horses. Then there's us; We are called to fly with the eagles. If you expect to soar at the highest altitudes with the highest speeds, then you must allow the pit strategy of the Lord.
Jer 12:5a If thou hast run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with horses?...
As in motor sports, race cars must use softer tires that wear quicker and have smaller fuel tanks that run out quicker so that they can drive lighter and faster, we too must make ourselves more vulnerable if we are to go farther. This means that we too must stop to refuel and repair more frequently. At times we may even have to make a driver change so that the race will be won. That's right even race car drivers have to get out of the race once in a while so that they may win it.

Take a look at your life right now and discern what he is doing. God is molding your character so you can learn how to handle the pressures of smaller stewardship. As you are strengthened and gain endurance, you will soon be able to handle greater responsibilities but with that comes greater risk, pressures and dangers?
Jer 12:5b ...and if in the land of peace, wherein thou trustedst, they wearied thee, then how wilt thou do in the swelling of Jordan?
What are you doing while you are in the pit stop? Are you allowing the Lord to refuel you and make repairs and adjustments in your life so that you can walk more consistently, run faster and fly higher?

It's up to you how on you will view this time of wait. You'll either feel like your in the pits or you'll realize that you are simply in The Pit Stop patiently waiting and resting until you get back in the race so that you can get to the finish line.