Luke 9:18-25 (NIV)
Who’s driving your car? Who’s in the driver’s seat? We’d like to see ourselves in the driver’s seat doing it our way, right? That pretty much describes me a lot of times. I know God just shakes His head at me during those times. But when Jesus takes the wheel, things go a lot better.
Kinda reminds me of that Carrie Underwood song, “Jesus, Take the Wheel.” The song speaks clearly to just how much we need Jesus to take the wheel if only we’d let go and let Him take over. Our prayer must be to ask for forgiveness and then let go. Sounds simple enough. Sadly, due to pride, stubbornness, and wanting to be in control, it ain’t so easy for those of us who cling to those things.
I submit, sometimes we simply won’t let go of that wheel until we’re utterly exhausted.
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Jesus asked: Who do you say that I am? That’s the most important question. Peter said, “You are the Christ.” Well, if Jesus is the Christ, why is it so difficult to step aside and let Him handle things.
Jesus announced good news to all—He healed the sick and showed God’s compassion for all. At this point in the scriptures, the disciples noticed a difference in Jesus. They knew His love was divine. They knew He was from above. They knew He was God’s chosen one. Still, He asked them, “Who do you say that I am?” We too must come to that question and ask ourselves who is Jesus to us—is He the way, the truth, and the light?
It’s a fact that His life makes our life more hopeful and more complete. If Jesus is all this to us then we must get out of the driver’s seat and let him take the wheel. If you want to save your life you must lose your life for Jesus’ cause. In other words, deny yourself. Why? Because it’s not about you. We must humble ourselves and put God in charge as it should be. We must recognize that we are not in charge. Jesus is leading our lives.
I wrote two different stories about this very subject. One entitled The Day George Bailey Came to Visit. This story took me back to when my husband thought he might be laid off from his job and the message I heard in church that very next Sunday. I tell about how God forced me into a situation whereby I needed to understand that I wasn’t in control. That became the day George Bailey came to visit. The other story is entitled The Reason Doing It My Way Doesn’t Work. This story speaks to the many times in my life when I took it upon myself to do it my way and the consequences that followed. You don’t have to hit me in the head but about ten times before I get it.
Our quality of life changes when we consider ourselves part of something larger than ourselves. Taking up our cross on a daily basis and following Jesus takes courage. Standing up for Jesus is difficult. We need to remember Jesus’ words, “What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self?” I’m sure I don’t want to be on that road.
How do you live for Christ daily? Ask yourself what you can do to bless and help someone. Ask yourself if you can put your own wants aside and look to the needs of others. We are called to live our lives for Christ. Well, might I just state that Christ knew why He was sent by the Father. He knew His purpose and His mission—the needs of others—our need for salvation.
To save your life you must lose your life? Seriously? Yes. I say, win or go home. Let your life be His and your life will come alive.
How will you bless the world? Will you give yourself away in the cause for Christ? When will you turn over the wheel?
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Who’s driving your car?
And that’s what I learned in Church……see ya next time!
