Who’ s in the Driver’s Seat?

“The Lord will watch over your coming and going, both now and forevermore.” Psalm 121:8 (NIV) As a young girl learning to drive, I can remember the fear, exhilaration, and freedom that I experienced when behind the steering wheel. What a sense of responsibility to be out on the “open road.” I felt fairly confident that I could get myself and passengers safely to our destination. (Even though I could see the look of caution on their faces, I chose to ignore that!) Years later, my dad wanted to teach me how to drive our motor home. I said with enthusiasm, “Sure!” As I sat behind the wheel, I felt an overwhelming feeling of apprehension. This was not the same as driving a car! In a calm voice, my dad gave instructions on what to do, and slowly I pulled onto the highway. As we rolled along, my dad’s voice, however, didn’t have the same sense of calm as when we first started out when he said, “Press the brake! Press the brake! Move over! Don’t go on the shoulder where the cyclists are!” I quickly felt the need to get out from behind the wheel. I pulled over and let my dad drive. I realized in that moment that I feel safest when my father is driving. He has driven through the storms and avoided every hazard we might face. When he is behind the wheel, my childlike fears disappear, because he has consistently brought us safely home. I wonder, who’s in the “driver’s seat” in your life? Are you allowing our Heavenly Father to steer, or are you gripping the wheel tightly through the power of your will, instead of God’s? Sometimes we can get in the way of a smooth journey, simply because we’re so set on being in the driver’s seat. Heavenly Father, take control of my life. Lead me where you want me to go. I surrender my will for your will in my life. Amen. — Corrie Hill   Council Fire is a collaboration with Intertribal Life Ministries and Native Evangelical Fellowship of Canada. The Council Fire Daily Devotional Book Set is available on the Intertribal Life Ministries website. Learn more about Council Fire at councilfire365.org