Moving Out of the Driver’s Seat

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

Galatians 5:1 (NIV)

I raised four teenage daughters at the same time.

Can you even imagine?

Keeping them safe was always a priority, but never more so than when they started to drive. There are no words to express the feeling of ‘moving out of the driver’s seat’ for the first time. 

Handing the responsibility over to my oldest daughter, I thought I might not make it through the experience. Fear gripped me at every turn. 

To her credit, she proved to be an extremely good driver, and as time went on, I found myself more and more relaxed as she settled in behind the wheel. In fact, we took a road trip from Texas to Montana and she did much of the driving. 

As each of the other daughters took their turn in the driver’s seat, I worried less and less. Maybe I just forgot to worry? I’m not sure, but the fear dissipated over time, until I didn’t even think about it anymore. 

The Lord has since reminded me of the many times that He wanted to take the keys from my hand and climb into the driver’s seat of my life. Many times, I refused to budge, choosing instead to cling tightly to the steering wheel, knuckles turning white.

What role do you find yourself in today?

Are you the nervous passenger, wondering where God is taking you and fearing you might not make it? Or, are you the one behind the wheel, determined to do things your way? 

It’s time to hand the keys over to Him, my friend. He knows the way. And He’s the best driver around!

Challenging Thought: Do you have to be the one in charge? What would it look like, if you let go and let God?

Read more devotions like this one in a new book Janice co-authored with Louise Looney titled An Overcoming Walk of Peaks and Valleys, now available on Amazon!