From the heart of my INCREDIBLE WIFE…
Confession time, I am a control freak! I know it, my husband knows it, my three kids know it and most people who hang out with me long enough know it. There, I said it, that’s the first step in any situation, admitting you have a problem, right?
For instance, I prefer to drive. I love it when my husband drives, but otherwise, I want to be the one in control. There is something about knowing where we are going and that if I’m in control I know we will get there safe. I know, if your reading this, your laughing about now. I’m sure God is smiling at me too!
This last weekend, my family was able to hang out with my Aunt and Uncle! They have just purchased a brand new 4 wheeler. I feel like I need to let you know that I have a 14 year old son, 9 year old daughter and 4 year old son. Do you think I was ready to let any of them ride on this thing??? Ummm – NOOOOO!!!! Why? Because I knew I couldn’t control the outcome! My Aunt said, “I will take the two little ones first.” WHAT??!!! I played it cool y’all, but inside I was praying in the Spirit! Oh sweet Jesus please don’t let my kids die! See it’s never just keep them safe, it’s “DON’T LET THEM DIE!” I know, I know…just smile at me!
So my aunt takes the kids for a ride and all is good, they did not die, matter of fact they had the best time EVER! There was such joy on their little faces! Ian kept saying, “I want to ride again!” Oh the freedom kids live in!
It was now my 14 year old, Isaiah’s turn. I volunteered to take him for a ride, when my husband and aunt both said, “Let him go by himself!” Of course I was terrified. He could flip this thing, he doesn’t know what he is doing, he could die! I know, I know, I know… But I succumbed to my family’s peer pressure… off he went.
Guess what… He had a blast and is still alive! Thank you Jesus!!
Now it’s my turn. But wait, Dan my loving, amazing, super hero husband, decides he’s gonna to take me for a ride. This is where I just laugh! “Are you crazy?” “No way!” I want to go by myself, I’m scared to not be in control, I’m scared the thing will flip, I’m scared, yes, that I will die!!! I have real true genuine FEAR!
We, (well at least me) are like this with God at times. We want to be in control. We want to be in control of our present and our future. Sure, we pray and ask him for help and to lead us and guide us. Yes, we want his protection and plan for our lives, as long as we can control the process! “Let me do my thing Lord. You just protect me and make sure it all works out.” I think God says to us, the same thing my husband, Dan said to me yesterday, “Get on, it will be fine and you can trust me!”
As I was thinking about this exchange and my issue of control this morning, the Lord spoke to my heart and said “Let go! Let me drive, you sit back and enjoy the ride!”
Can I tell you? I had the best time on the back of that 4 wheeler! Dan later asked me, “What was the best part of 4 wheeling?” Immediately I responded, “Being on the back and you driving while I held on.” Why? I felt protected sitting behind my husband, I felt free, and I felt safe. These are the same feelings I have when I let God lead me and protect me! I have peace!
Philippians 4:6-7, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”
God’s peace is the best kind of peace, really the only kind of peace! I’m sure I will always struggle with wanting to control situations, but I will continue to put my trust and hope in Jesus! I will let him drive the 4 wheeler of my life, while I put my arms around his waist and enjoy the ride. I know that I am safe and there is no need for me to have control!
Is Jesus on the back of your 4 wheeler today? You may need to take a moment, like myself, and switch seats today. Trust me, its way more fun letting Him drive!