A minister waited in line to get his car filled with gas just before a long holiday weekend. A station attendant was helping direct traffic to the pumps as they became available, but there was a long line of cars in front of the minister. Finally, the attendant motioned him to a vacant pump. "Reverend," said the young man, "I'm sorry about the delay. It seems as if everyone waits until the last minute to get ready for a long trip." The minister answered, "I know what you mean. It's the same in my business."

The Bible gives us some helpful antidotes to life's challenges to keep us from waiting until the last minute.

•  When you're in trouble, pray.
•  When you are sick, seek the prayers of your friends.
•  When you have sinned, confess.

First, "When you're in trouble, pray." It is so eas…