Jesus Take the Wheel
Yesterday our teen daughter took her drivers road test for the first time. It was time to see her months of practicing pay off. She has been driving with her permit for several months now and has really gotten to be a pretty good driver. I have to admit though, at first, there were many times that I wanted to grab the wheel from her. Sometimes she got too close to other vehicles, and her backing out and turning the wheel wasn’t always timed correctly. But as she got more confident, I saw her driving skills improve immensely.
During this time of learning, there were times that she got frustrated with my correction. She wanted to do it on her own and didn’t always receive my “driving advice” easily, even though I have over 30 years of driving experience.
How similar is this scenario to listening to God and His Counsel?
If we were to be honest, I would say that many of us are like inexperienced drivers when we travel down the road of life. Often we get way too close to things that we shouldn’t. We watch things, say things and hang around people that we know to be dangerous to us, but instead of putting on the brakes, we speed up. And before we know it, we collide with sin and disappointment. Sin and disappointment doesn’t always come in big things like murder, stealing and lying. Because I know most of us do not participate in these things (well…I hope not anyway)
But what about gossip? or judging someone? or causing someone to stumble? It is not only the big things, but the little things as well that we need to listen to God’s counsel. His Word is the road map to help all of us, no matter what level of driving experience we may have.
“Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” PSALM 119:105
Whether we are a new believer with little or no driving experience or a seasoned believer with years of driving experience, ALL of us need to have our path illuminated with God’s Wisdom. None of us are exempt from dangers that lurk along our pathway. This is why it is imperative that we make God LORD of our life, which means He has control of our actions, our speech, our relationships, our finances, our thoughts, our past, present and future…EVERYTHING!
In order for this to happen, we need to let Him take the wheel and be the Driver. Some time ago, country singer Carrie Underwood came out with a song entitled “Jesus, take the wheel.” In the song, Carrie says…
“Jesus take the wheel… Take it from my hands …Cause I can’t do this on my own ….I’m letting go … So give me one more chance To save me from this road I’m on … Jesus take the wheel”
If we are to walk closely with Him, and allow Him to do what He wants, when He wants, we have to give the keys over to Him. We need to let Him be in control. He will never steer us wrong…
“The Sovereign LORD has given me an instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being taught.” ISAIAH 50:4
We should listen to Him when He gives warning about danger…
“The LORD is my light and my salvation–whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life–of whom shall I be afraid?” PSALM 27:1
And we must keep traveling down the road, even when the ride becomes bumpy…
“Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken. ” PSALM 55:22
My daughter passed her driving test yesterday and I know that there will still be some lessons to be learned on the road, but as long as she allows Jesus to take the wheel, I know the road will lead her safely to any destination. It is my prayer today that each of us can do the same.
PRAYER: Dear Lord, forgive me for trying to keep my hands on the wheel. I know that without You and Your leading, that I am traveling on dangerous ground. I want to give You complete control of every area…my thoughts, my speech, my attitude, my life! Please take the wheel and lead me safely to where You are leading me. AMEN
Amen my friend, amen. Congrats to your daughter.
Congratulations to your daughter. Great thoughts you’ve shared. I’m praying that prayer with you that I’ll leave the driving to him.
Amen, Laurie. I know that He will lead me the right direction, but sometimes I still grab the wheel.