Cruise Control
A few days ago my husband, son and I were traveling several hours by car to visit our daughter. To help ease the burden of one person driving the entire way, we all took turns at the wheel. When my turn came and I headed down the road, my husband suggested that I use the cruise control feature. My initial response was to simply decline and tell him that I felt more comfortable operating the car manually. But my husband, knowing me better than I know myself sometimes, knew that my answer wasn’t as simple as it sounded. He told me that during the long stretches of the road it would help to have it turned on for it would keep my pace steady. I wouldn’t be struggling as much and would not tire of driving as quickly. He also told me that an added bonus was that it would produce a more efficient use of the fuel. So, reluctantly I asked him for instructions on its operation. However, I was pleased to find that it was freeing to use the cruise control feature. My stress level instantly lowered as we continued down the road.
I have had my driver’s license for many years now, but I have to admit that before this time I had never used the cruise control feature on any of our vehicles! Was it because of fear? Or was it something else? As I sat behind the wheel, mulling over that question, I realized that my true reason for hesitation had been because I was reluctant to give over control to something other than myself. That discovery surprised me and I began to think of other areas in my life where I have felt the need to be in total control. In every one of those places I have learned that when allowing the Lord to lead me, things have gone so much smoother. In times when my burdens were so heavy I bent under the load, it was when I submitted to God that the weight was lifted. Even during rushed times when trying to meet a deadline, it was when I relaxed and allowed God to set the pace that I felt my stress release. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30).
How many times in your life have you resisted the Lord’s guidance? For me, it has been way too many, but, I have found that when I remember to be yoked with the Lord and set my life on His cruise control everything falls perfectly into place – for God’s pace is steady and His road is straight.
Living for Him, Joan
www.thebeautyinhisgrip.blogspot.com
Amen, well said.
Surrendering control hard for all of but the thing God asks of us. Great post, thanks.
I so have to admit that I do not like to give over control. But like you, when I do, things fall into place. The burden is much lighter and I can enjoy the ‘ride’…
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts on control – I needed to read it this morning.
Oh, I am just like that! I do not like to use the cruise control on my vehicle, my husband uses it all of the time. I dont like to not be in control of the car…and what a great reminder this morning that we are the same way with God. Lord, help me to turn the control of things in my life over to You! He is a much better driver than me. 🙂
I think we all can relate to this. We want to be in control all the time and we sometimes forget that God’s way is so much better and easier than our way! Thanks for your thoughts!
Amen! Love the His steady pace and straight road…so why do I still fight it sometimes?! A control freak is not a pretty sight….
I’ve resisted a few times when I should have turned control over to Him but I’m learning to let Him take the wheel.
Thanks for sharing