Divine Wake-up Call about Motor Oil

God Woke Me Up to Buy Lawn Mower Oil… Yes, Really.

I’ve heard of God waking people up in the middle of the night with dreams, visions, even a word for the nations. But me? I got a divine wake-up call about… lawnmower oil.

Let me explain before you start casting out the spirit of weirdness.

It was around 2:47 a.m. I know this because I glanced at the clock with one bleary eye after being stirred from a dream involving needing to go to the bathroom (we’ll unpack that another day).

Then it came—not a booming voice, not a burning bush—but a simple, Holy Spirit nudge:

“You need to get a quart of oil for your lawnmower.”

Now, let’s pause.

A quart of oil? At 2:47 in the morning? Was my lawnmower low on oil? I  rubbed my eyes, and asked the Lord, “Are you sure?”

Silence. Just that lingering impression. Get a quart of oil. From John Deere, specifically.

Apparently, God cares not just that my mower needs oil—but that it’s genuine OEM certified.

I argued—like any respectable half-asleep believer would

.

“Lord, if it’s okay, I’ll check "Big John" in the morning to see if… well… you know… if this is you waking me up at 2:47 AM or my bladder.”

No response.

So I did what any spiritually obedient (yet deeply confused) man would do: I got up, went to the bathroom and tried to go back to sleep.

7:00 AM… I awoke to that voice…

“Don’t forget to check the oil…”

9:00 AM… i’m standing next to my lawnmower with the engine oil dipstick in my hand…

Yep! "Big John" was low on oil!

The next thing I knew, I was standing in the John Deere store—on a mission from God. I walked up to the counter, looked the man in the eyes and said:

“I need a quart of oil.”  I wanted to add “God sent me”, but I wasn’t sure if a discussion about “hearing God’s voice at 2:47 AM” would be too much for the stressed out sales clerk. Besides.. I was concerned the whole "full bladder thing" would come out in my explanation.

Now that I think about it… maybe I missed an opportunity…

As I walked out of the store, oil in hand, I couldn’t help but laugh in gratefulness. God really does care about the details of our lives. Even the oily ones.

Maybe it wasn’t just about the oil. Maybe it was about listening. Or hearing His voice and responding. Or maybe God just really loves to take care of my needs before I know I have a need.

Philippians 4:19 came to my mind. “And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus”. (even the needs you don’t know you have).

Either way, I learned something that day: When God says go—go. Even if it’s to the John Deere store.