The Privileged Life: Jesus, Take the Wheel!

“However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth.” (John 16:13)

It’s crazy hot out there…especially on the roads.

With our local population growth, traffic in our area has increased dramatically in the past few years. Either I’m just getting old and cranky, or drivers are truly more reckless than in the past. My spidey-senses are on high alert these days as I navigate my car around town.

Last month, my husband and I took a long road trip through several states and had several nail-biting moments on the way. Other drivers and motorcyclists swerved in and out of interstate lanes, missing our vehicle by only a few inches. No warnings, no signals…just people being inconsiderate for selfish reasons. 

On top of that, I recently hit a neighbor’s cat on our street. I was horrified when he dashed out in front of my car, and I couldn’t avoid him. It nearly made me sick when I felt the thump against my tire. 

I pulled my car over and ran back to where he was lying motionless in the middle of our street…he was such a beautiful cat. His collar showed his name, Kobe, and his address, but the owners were out of town. Within minutes, two neighbors out on a walk—Richard and Marsha—stopped to help me pick up the poor kitty with a towel and get him into a box. 

But Kobe wasn’t dead. He had begun mewing in pain and fear, still mostly immobilized. After our neighborhood president, Colin, reached the owners by phone and got their veterinarian’s name, my friend Lorrie drove us to the vet. Within 30 minutes, we learned Kobe had no broken bones! He was comfortable and purring!

It’s a miracle from God that Kobe has survived, minus one of his nine lives…his front right paw is paralyzed. But he is managing well enough on three feet, still trotting up stairs and even climbing a six-foot wooden fence around his yard. Kobe’s owners are grateful he is still living with them—he is a handsome fellow (a long-haired Siberian forest breed) and has such a sweet, gentle personality. I’m so thankful as well…I was just heartsick over hurting him.

I learned two things from this unfortunate incident. One, it has reminded me to be more watchful, especially since young children ride scooters on our streets. I’ve noticed blind spots, especially on hills and near bushes, where visibility is limited. I’ve slowed down more on curves, keeping my eyes on the road and rearview mirrors, exercising more caution on turns. 

Two, I’m blessed to live in an area where people are just extraordinarily nice. It was amazing how quickly folks jumped in to help Kobe and me. All those neighbors I just mentioned, including the owners? They all love Jesus.

Please, please…be extra careful on our busy highways and roads, especially around schools back in session. Practice defensive driving. Take time to use your turning signals, slow down, and give room for other drivers. 

Even so, it’s not easy to be extra-cautious and extra-courteous in frantic traffic moments. Those are the times when I often think, “Jesus, take the wheel!”

We need to holler that same plea whenever we’re stuck in any difficult situation. God’s Holy Spirit is ready to help. We need to ask for His constant presence, to guide us away from danger and carelessness—in our thoughts, words, and driving. He has promised to give us His wisdom, liberally. And He gives us peace in the mayhem.

Does your car have a Christian bumper sticker, cross, or plate? Mine does. I have to remember that those who don’t follow Jesus will take note if I demonstrate unruly driving behavior. A little bit of courtesy goes a long way in staying safe and sharing the love of Christ with the world.

I hope you’ll join me in inviting God’s Spirit along on our daily drives. Let’s ask Jesus to take the wheel…in all areas of our life!

Holy Spirit, I am thankful You are sovereign over all activities in my life—whether I’m at work, taking care of my home, walking around my neighborhood, or driving somewhere. Please help me to be careful, watchful, and mindful of how others see me in light of my faith in You. Grant me Your constant presence and wisdom…and “take the wheel” when I need to let go of my selfishness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Nancy C. Williams is a Christian wife/mom with a writing career spanning more than 40 years in business and journalism. Williams is the author of the novel To Love a Falcon and the devotional book A Crocus in the Desert: Devotions, Stories, and Prayers for Women Experiencing Infertility. Her blogs are featured on Crossmap.com and Arise Daily. To follow Nancy’s posts and news, go to her home page at NancyCWilliams.com and subscribe at the bottom. 

© Copyright 2024 Nancy C. Williams, (text and photography) Unless otherwise noted, Scripture verses are taken from the New King James Version®, Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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