journey onWord with us

Can God be trusted to guide our lives? — Yes! Can we trust the Bible? — Absolutely! Do we believe that it has the answers for life’s questions? –Yes! Is accepting Christ as Savior the only way to heaven? –Absolutely! Does God answer prayer? – Yes! Can the Father give us joy on the journey? – Absolutely! These truths are almost like a creed that is easily recited. However, I am concerned that just like a creed, these foundational truths believed by all Christ-followers are easier recited than lived out.

A personal illustration may help. Although I know that He gives me joy for the journey, this week has been one where I have struggled with earthbound human logic. I am too busy (my fault), and I could easily pout and justify my reasons for doing it. Praying has not been a problem this week, but trusting has!  I have found myself discouraged rather than embracing what God is doing in my life. I have found myself grumpy when “my” plans didn’t fit as I wanted. Could it be because I wanted to lead my life and fit God’s design into my plans? You may have experienced similar weeks recently. I just noticed a bit too many I’s in this paragraph … and in this week.

Matthew 16:24-26 (MSG)
Then Jesus went to work on his disciples. “Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You’re not in the driver’s seat; I am. Don’t run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I’ll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self. What kind of deal is it to get everything you want but lose yourself? What could you ever trade your soul for?

In retrospect, it’s clear to me that I have fought for the driver’s seat this week. I have worked at being spiritual, but with too much emphasis on I. Trying less and trusting more is a good option as (I) head into the weekend. Usually my spiritual thoughts don’t come from country songs, but today it’s time to embrace the title of Carrie Underwood’s song, “Jesus Take the Wheel.”

You will also have “I” weeks, but does your general pattern of life model the words of Christ? Most Christ followers would say, “I want Christ to lead me,” but we fight for the driver’s seat. When Christ leads, love, sacrifice, obedience and sometimes suffering will be the required. During those weeks (and sometimes seasons), when we are in the driver’s seat, love turns inward, sacrifice seems too radical, obedience is optional, and suffering is to be avoided at all costs. To live the truths we believe will take an intentional choice to let Christ be in the driver’s seat. And remember, He never struggles with directions!

Are you finding a struggle at the steering wheel? – Yes! Does God understand your struggle? – Absolutely! Can you have more joy by letting Christ lead? – Yes! Do you believe that you can trust Him? – Absolutely!  Are you willing to intentionally let Him lead? — _________!

At Journey onWord, we are not just about writing devotional posts, or words of challenge or encouragement.  We are here when you are struggling to fill in that blank. We are ready to come alongside you when you make a decision to fill in that blank.  Please don’t ever hesitate to reach out.  We are always ready to share the reason for our hope in Christ.