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Pit Stop

Message by Dr. Shana Wise


 

Pit Stop Definition

 

In motorsports, a pit stop is a break for refueling, changing tires, repairs, or driver changes, usually done in an area called the pits. Cars approach the pits via a lane next to the track, where each team has a garage and a pit box for work. The pit crew, made up of up to twenty mechanics, performs the necessary tasks while the driver often stays in the vehicle.

 

Pit stops are critical for races, allowing teams to refuel, change tires for better grip or different weather conditions, and to follow race rules. Teams plan pit stops based on fuel capacity, tire life, and the balance between time lost in the pits and time saved on the track. A successful pit strategy, including how many stops to make and when, is key. Teams also consider competitors' strategies to avoid delays. Extended or unscheduled stops can hurt a driver's chances, as competitors may gain time while they are serviced. Consequently, pit crews train intensively to carry out quick changes, especially in high-stakes events like Formula 1.

 

 

Hebrews 12:1-3 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

 

All of us are running the race of “life”. During our course, it will be vital for us to take a “pit stop” break.


These breaks will vary by “how” they will happen, yet all of us will experience them at some point in our lives.


Pits can be physical (Joseph, Daniel, Jeremiah, Paul, and Silas) and spiritual.


Some pits can be self-inflicted, while others are part of our assignment, and then there are some that only God can get us out of.


Jesus had many pit stops during the three years of his ministry here on earth. Jesus was intentional, and today we will examine three pit stops that Jesus made in the gospels.

 

 

The Smartian Women

 

“He left Judea and departed again to Galilee. But he needed to go through Samaria.”

John 43-4 NKJV


 

Jesus traveled from Judea to Galilee and stopped at a well in Sychar, Samaria, feeling tired. A Samaritan woman came to draw water, and Jesus asked her for a drink, which surprised her because Jews typically did not interact with Samaritans. Jesus told her that if she knew who He was, she would ask Him for "living water. " The woman questioned how He could provide this water since He had no tools. Jesus explained that His water would satisfy her thirst forever. After discussing her marital history, she recognized Him as a prophet and mentioned the coming Messiah. Jesus revealed to her that He was the Messiah. The woman then shared this news with the townspeople.

 

Jesus made a pit stop for the Samaritan woman because he knew that she needed the living water.


This woman didn’t know she was in a pit, but Jesus did. He knew that her life needed to be changed. He knew that people saw her as a scandalous woman, but after an encounter with him, she became an Evangelist.

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Her pit stop consisted of her being filled (fueled) with the living water. She did not leave the same way she came. She left with her assignment, and that is considered a success in the eyes of God!

 

 

Man in the grave

 

“Then they came to the other side of the sea, to the country of the Gadarenes. And when He had come out of the boat, immediately there met Him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit,” Mark 5:1-2 NKJV


 Jesus arrived in the region of the Gadarenes, where a man with an unclean spirit lived among the tombs. No one could control him, and he cried out and harmed himself. When he saw Jesus, he worshiped Him and asked to be spared from torment. Jesus commanded the unclean spirit to leave, and the spirit identified itself as "Legion," indicating there were many. The spirits begged to enter a nearby herd of swine. Jesus allowed this, and the swine rushed into the sea and drowned. The witnesses were afraid and asked Jesus to leave. The healed man wanted to follow Jesus, but Jesus instructed him to share his story with his friends.

 

Jesus made a pit stop for the man in the grave because he knew he needed to be freed from the demons that were tormenting him.


After the man’s encounter with Jesus, he was able to leave the grave and be a testimony and witness to the power of Jesus Christ. He was refueled with a sound mind and a purpose.


That is a success, eyes of God!

 

 

Lazarus

 

“Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So, when He heard that he was sick, He stayed two more days in the place where He was. Then after this, He said to the disciples, “Let us go to Judea again.”

John 11:5-7 NKJV


 Lazarus of Bethany was sick, and his sisters, Mary and Martha, sent a message to Jesus asking for his help. Jesus responded that Lazarus’s sickness would glorify God and stayed where He was for two more days. Afterward, He decided to go to Judea, despite the danger. He told His disciples that Lazarus was sleeping, but later made it clear that Lazarus had died, saying He was glad He was not there to encourage their faith.

 

When Jesus arrived, Lazarus had been dead for four days. Martha met Him and expressed her belief that if Jesus had been there, Lazarus wouldn't have died. Jesus promised her that Lazarus would rise again, revealing that He is the resurrection and the life. Martha affirmed her faith in Him.

 

Mary came to Jesus, grieving, and He was deeply moved by her sorrow. He asked where Lazarus was buried, and upon seeing the tomb, He wept. Afterward, Jesus commanded that the stone be rolled away despite Martha's concern about the smell. He prayed and called Lazarus to come out, and Lazarus emerged from the tomb alive. Jesus instructed the people to free him from the graveclothes.

 

This pit stop was a little different than the previous two stories because Jesus did not show up until after Lazarus had died.


To the world and look like Lazarus's race was over, but to Jesus, his death was just the beginning.


Jesus knew that not only did Lazarus need this pit stop break, but so did the crowd around him. They actually needed it more than him.


We may feel that Jesus doesn’t see us in our pit, or that he’s taking too long to answer our prayer request, but let the story remind you that he always shows up on time!

 

Time to work, we are a part of God’s pit stop crew!


 

Like Jesus, we must be sensitive to the leading and guiding of the Holy Spirit. Other people are waiting for us to visit them in their pit.


Oftentimes, we get consumed with our trials and tribulations (pits) that we neglect the needs of the hurting around us.


Pit stops for us to look like a random conversation with a stranger, or showing up at the right time and the right place for somebody else.


We need to remember that a pit stop is an intentional action, not just lip service. Our prayers must have legs. We must be willing to sacrifice our needs for somebody else.


We must be willing to do what it takes to reach the one who is waiting for us.

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For us to go to the pit for somebody else, our will must be yielded to the Father so he can prompt us when and where to go.


The people in the pit stop on the racetrack have already been equipped to help the driver be successful. Likewise, we have been equipped with the word of God to carry out our assignment here on earth.


Who is depending on you to help them in their pit?

 

The Ultimate Pit Stop for Jesus: His death, the burial, and the resurrection!



In the church, the teachings of the death and the resurrection are the primary focus on Easter weekend, yet many do not teach about what happened during the burial of Jesus Christ. 


 

Right after Jesus died, His Spirit was busy setting captives free in Hades! Jesus was showing up at the pit stop of Hell to set the captives free!

 

Matthew 27:51-53 Then, behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth quaked, and the rocks were split, 52 and the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised; 53 and coming out of the graves after His resurrection, they went into the holy city and appeared to many.

 

Ephesians 4:8-9 Therefore He says: “When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, And gave gifts to men.” 9 (Now this, “He ascended”—what does it mean but that He also first descended into the lower parts of the earth? 10 He who descended is also the One who ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things.

 

Is there anything impossible for God to do?


About the Author


Dr. Shana Wise is an ordained Pastor who founded and oversees Wise Choice Ministries with her husband,  Pastor Ron Wise. She is also the CEO and founder of The Well Christian Women’s Network. Dr. Wise is the author of Women’s Devotionals Acts of Intercession and Chief Women Arise, The Impact of Your Election, and the Basic Ministry Training Manual (all available on Amazon). She received a Doctor of Divinity degree in 2019 from St. Thomas Christian University. Her passion is to teach and preach the gospel of Jesus Christ, equip others to apply the Word to their lives, and demonstrate it through the power of the Holy Spirit. She is a televangelist who appears on social media outlets. Shana is married and has four children.

 

For speaking engagements, email: wisechoiceministries512@gmail.com.

 

Books available on Amazon:

 

Acts of Intercession

 

The Impact of Your Election

 

Basic Ministry Training Manual

 

Chief Women Arise

 

 

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