What I’m Learning About God While Working At A Gas Station By Daniel Seabaugh for Servants of Grace
When I began my studies at Denver Seminary in 2014, I never imagined working at a gas station after graduation. There is nothing wrong with such work, it’s just that my focus was on serving the local church, and I couldn’t see past that vision. I was certain God had called me to plant a church.
I’m coming up on a year since the completion of my last class at Denver Seminary. I’m managing a gas station in my hometown without any signs of church ministry on the horizon.
God is teaching me many things about Himself through this season of life. After the initial shock of failed expectations, I’m beginning to realize that this is a great season of ministry. In what follows, I’d like to share with you five things I’m learning about God while working at a gas station.
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- His plan is better than my plan.
We all make plans. Most people I talk with can tell me where they plan to be in the next 5 to 10 years. These plans are perhaps more pronounced with my college-aged friends; however, every age has a plan for their future, whether they are thinking about the end of the day or years down the road. Planning is good and wise.
I had great plans for ministry heading into seminary and as far back as my conversion to Christ. I can remember the season I accepted the gospel and recall having a desire for vocational ministry during that time. Shortly after I accepted Christ, I enrolled in college where I could study the Bible and theology to prepare for my vocation. Thus far, God has had other plans for my life.
If I have learned anything about God over the years, it is that He is really good. He has always desired the hearts of His people. He works all things together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purposes (Romans 8:28). His plans are perfect. Though I have often fought them, I’m learning that His plans are far greater than anything I could imagine. I daily need to remind myself of this truth and submit to His leadership because He is good.
- His heart for the poor and drug-addicted is greater than I realized.
The store I manage is surrounded by neighbors known for smoking methamphetamine. It’s a real problem that is wrecking the lives of people I serve on a day-to-day basis. On Thursday, there were six police officers on our lot and a K-9 unit searching a vehicle for drugs. The crazy thing is, customers didn’t bat an eye. It’s a normal day in the neighborhood. As I get to know these people by name and learn about their lives and stories, I begin to see the image of God in them. They were perfectly created in God’s image yet have succumbed to the power and presence of sin. The saddest part is, I don’t think any of these people realize the destructive path they’re on, and in many cases, that don’t care to get off it.
