Muriel Larson, MKLJOY@aol

10 Vanderbilt Circle, Greenville SC 29609-4009

About 635 words—NIV—Reprint right

Who's In the Driver's Seat?--By Muriel Larson

The parked car suddenly started moving down San Francisco's hill Kerny Street. Its lone occupant was a girl who didn't know how to drive. Just as the car was about to run into a parked truck, the girl turned the wheel--and the car shot out into three-lane traffic. It flew past a busy intersection and into the path of an oncoming truck.

The driver of a car in an outside lane slowed down to gape at the proceedings. He smashed into the rear of a taxi. The taxi driver opened his door to see what had happened, and another car ripped off the door. The girl herself lost a tooth through the whole affair. The tow truck that hauled her away in the damaged car broke down. Did you ever hear of such a mess?

I have! I've heard of people wrecking their lives and those of others because they knew no more about making wise decisions than that girl knew about driving a car! Decisions that affected their entire lives were made on the spur of a moment, in a surge of emotion. Or people choose a course of action without thought as to the long-term consequences of their decisions.

GET A PERFECT DRIVER!

When I let Jesus Christ take over the driver's seat in my life, however, He changed my course and gave me the wisdom to know which way to go. He has helped me with decisions ever since. Thus, when we look to Christ, we needn't fear that we will wreck our lives and those of others.

The Bible says, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding" (Proverbs 3:5-6). This Scripture also promises that if we acknowledge Him in all our ways, He will direct our paths.

Christians have Christ in them, the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27). What a tremendous thought! God Himself dwells within us and wants to bless us with His divine guidance in everything we do! But there is a catch. We have to be willing to let Him take over the driver's seat in our hearts and lives.

WRECKS ALL OVER THE PLACE!

Many people who say they're Christians haven't allowed Him control or haven't looked to Him for guidance. For instance, some don't seek God's will concerning marriage--and marry non-Christians, contrary to Biblical teaching (2 Corinthians 6:14)--and end up regretting it. Others marry lukewarm Christian and become apathetic.

Some professing Christians get in with a wrong crowd and also live to regret it. Some make serious mistakes in their relationships that hurt people they may love the most. Some develop bad habits and find themselves enslaved by them. Some don't answer God's call to service--and wonder what's missing in their lives!

MAKE JESUS #1

Such problems and calamities can be avoided if Jesus Christ is made number one in our hearts. If we consult Him about every decision and walk day by day with Him, He will guide us in the way to go. And His way will result in the greatest joy, the greatest fulfillment, and the most abundant rewards.

It's not too late to give Him the driver's seat in our lives. Why should we settle for less and miss out on the fantastic blessings God has planned for us? The Bible says, "As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him” (Colossians 2:6).

Well-known blind hymn composer Fanny Crosby wrote, “All the way my Savior leads me, what have I to ask beside? Can I doubt his tender mercy, who through life has been my guide? Heavenly peace, divinest comfort, Her by faith in him to dwell! For I know whate’er befall me, Jesus doeth all things well.”