By: Juliet Constantine
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will direct your path.” (Prov. 3:5-6)
My girlfriend in Florida told me of an incident she had while driving on the I95 on a rainy day. She stated that it was raining heavily and visibility was extremely poor – not even the white lines on the road could be seen. Even worse, vehicles had their fog lights on, and still she could not see those vehicles beside or in front of her. My friend has very good eyesight but with such poor visibility, she reported that she was very frightened and all she could do was pray, asking Jesus to take the wheel. And He did. She said that from nowhere, a single light guided her to safety. Jesus did take the wheel.
As my friend spoke, I was reminded of the popular song “Jesus take the wheel” by Carrie Underwood. The incidents are similar, but the requests were exactly the same. In their hour of distress, both had no other choice but to trust in God with all their hearts, and allow Him to take control. In those desperate moments, their only source of help came from God. And, as always, He never fails. For all who have acknowledged Him, and who have given control to Him, He has always directed their paths.
The Bible is filled with examples of people who extended their faith by giving God full control to lead and direct their lives. It must have been sheer faith that Abraham believed for it to be accounted to him as righteousness. It was sheer faith that Esther chose to go before the king, even without being summoned. The Centurion totally surrendered all control and authority when he bid Jesus “speak the word” so that his servant could receive healing. There are many more such examples. But for me, the one that stands out more is Hosea: despite his Christian morals and beliefs, and against his better hope and aspirations, he chose to follow God and marry a woman who would bring him untold grief. He kept loving and forgiving her, over and over again – a symbol of Jesus’ love for His children. This was only possible as he allowed Jesus full control of his life. He gave Jesus the wheel.
We too are facing many challenges, many disappointments, and our struggles are many; sometimes, it seems that we are going under. We have done everything we know how, yet we find ourselves skidding on the icy road of life. Sometimes our paths are so obscured, and visibility is zero. But we need not fear. Let’s just give Jesus control of the wheel of our lives; He will lead us to safety. Remembering how God has led in the past is encouragement to buoy our spirits on.
With what are you struggling? Are your children, your life, or your home in turmoil? Is it your marriage, your finances? Are the funds low, but the debts high? Perhaps you want to smile, but you have to sigh? Just cry out to Him – “Jesus take the wheel, take it from my hand!” He will. “It is no secret what God can do. What He has done for others, He will do for you.” Give Jesus the wheel and watch as He brings order and peace to your life. Just say, “Jesus! Take the wheel!”
Our Heavenly Father, please take full control of our lives. We cannot do it on our own. Please, show us the way to take: direct our paths, we pray, in Jesus’ name, amen.
Copyrighted by Juliet Constantine 2014 (for “Alone With God – Finding Jesus In The Scriptures” Daily Devotional)