Monday, January 5, 2009

Backseat Driver
By Jen Wollner

“And we know in all things God works for the good of those who love him…”
Romans 8:28

My three-year-old is what you might call a “backseat driver.” Whenever we go somewhere, he’s got a million suggestions and comments about the drive. “Where are we going?” “Why are we slowing down?” “Turn here!” “Hey, this isn’t the way.” “Mom, this road is too bumpy.” And the list goes on. After a few minutes I find myself saying, “Just relax and enjoy the ride!”

It’s human nature to want to know everything there is to know about a situation. We desire to have some sense of control, especially when we aren’t the one driving. This is oftentimes how we are with God, isn’t it? On the journey of life, we’ve got a million questions and suggestions about which way we should go, at what speed we should travel and how smooth the road should be. Unfortunately, like my son, we don’t have enough experience or knowledge to be the driver. We don’t know what’s up ahead or even how to handle it on our own. What happens when we run into a torrential rain storm or construction or black ice on this road of life? How do we deal with these unexpected and unwanted trials? Do we reach over from the backseat and try to grab the wheel? Or, do we trust our Driver to get us through it?

Scripture says that the Lord works all things for our good. It also says that His ways and thoughts are higher than ours. He is sovereign and in control. He has infinite knowledge and wisdom. He knows our past, our present and what’s coming in our future. And, most importantly, He loves us. There’s nothing wrong with asking Him for direction or consulting Him about where our lives are headed, in fact we’re encouraged in Scripture to do so. But, ultimately, our job is to trust Him…even when the road is rough and we are tempted to steer ourselves. Okay, especially then!

Let’s sit back…relax…and enjoy the ride. We’ve got the perfect Driver.

GOING DEEPER:
1. What in your life feels out of control right now? Are you reaching for the wheel or letting the Lord handle the burden of the tough terrain?

FURTHER READING:
Job 42:2; Proverbs 2:6, 3:19; Isaiah 55:8-9

Jen and her husband are busily parenting three children under the age of 6. Jen heads Oakwood’s Fresh Start ministry.
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