Journey of Surrender . . . #2

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So now I have finally surrendered the keys of my car to God, have willingly taken up residence in the passenger seat (at least I think I have) and am anxiously waiting to see where He will take me. 

 

But to be honest, I have found this journey of surrender sometimes to be more like a car ride with my husband . . .  

 

We’re on our way to church – he’s driving and I’m in the passenger seat.  I’m looking forward to worshiping God and seeing my friends.  We start the journey with great expectation and joy but then . . .

 

               My husband starts tailgating the ONLY CAR on the highway.  I hate it when he

               tailgates!

 

I give a sharp intake of breath hoping that he’ll get the hint.  We’ve been married for 27 years and, for crying out loud, he should know by now how much I hate it!

 

But he doesn’t seem to be listening. 

 

So I get a little more forceful, “Back-off!  Why do you ALWAYS have to drive so close!  You make me so nervous when you drive!”

 

 He reacts, “Why do you always have to critique my driving?  I’ve been driving for 30 years and never had an accident – so give me a break!”

 

I’m quiet but tension sits heavy in the car. 

 

Then he scoots through a very red light and I can’t resist, “You just ran a red light, on Sunday no less!”  

 

“No, I didn’t.” 

 

“Yes, you did!”

 

He pulls over and demands, “Do you want to drive?”

 

With a martyr’s sigh, I reply . . . “No you go ahead and drive.”

 

But I continue to silently critique. . .  Why did he have to take the long way to church? . . .  Why is he driving so slow - we’re going to be late again!   Why didn’t I taken him up on his offer to drive?

 

 

It doesn't stop with my husband's driving.  I find myself critiquing God’s driving too!

 

I don’t want to WAIT . . . I don’t like the direction He’s taking my life . . . I’m not ready for that detour (another time maybe but not right now).  I know my children best . . .  I make better decisions than my husband . . .  I need to worry about this because no one else

will . . .  I know God didn't intend for me to live without a microwave . . . 

 

 

Once again I find FEAR taking root in my heart and the freedom I once had floats from my grasp. 

 

1 Chronicles 29:11-12 (NLT) says, “Yours, O LORD, is the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory and the majesty.  Everything in the heavens and on earth is Yours, O LORD, and this is Your kingdom.  We adore You as the one who is OVER ALL THINGS.  Wealth and honor come from You alone, for You RULE OVER EVERYTHING.  Power and might are in Your hand, and at Your discretion people are made great and given strength. 

 

I have found in my journey of surrender that it is just that . . . a journey.  A road I will ALWAYS be traveling, a practice I will always be working at and a course that won’t be completed until I step into His presence.  This is the journey that God has laid out for us – a pathway of Trust, a journey of Surrender, a road of Submission. 


Will you spend your time critiquing God's driving or embracing the journey He has for you? 


Teach me how to live, O LORD.  Lead me along the right path . . .  WAIT patiently for the LORD.  Be brave and courageous.  Yes, WAIT patiently for the LORD.  (Psalm 27.11,14)