The Option

 “God gives you the option to either depend on him or depend on yourself. The result is either freedom or frustration.” (Rick Warren)

When you are in the passenger side of a car of someone who is driving erratically, you may be angry, scared, or worried.  The reasons for this bizarre behavior could be as varied as you are as a person. Possibly the driver  loves driving fast, is late for an appointment, is texting and driving, the car is having a mechanical malfunction, or could be having a health issue like a stroke, heart attack, or a low blood sugar dip with  their diabetes. Chances are the passenger may decide to close their eyes, stomp on their imaginary breaks (that don’t work), or lean over and grab the steering wheel to direct it where they need the car to go.

On a spiritual realm, Jesus does not want to sit on the passenger side of your life trying to manage everything by leaning over to maneuver the steering wheel. At some point in your life, Jesus wants you to move over to the passenger side, and let Him sit in the driver’s seat (with the steering wheel). That means giving Him being in charge of of everything in your life. You can’t have power over something that isn’t yours anymore.

In her non-traditional Christmas song, “Jesus Take the Wheel,” musical artist, Carrie Underwood, answers the above spiritual dilemma for herself. Do you agree?

She was driving last Friday on her way to Cincinnati
On a snow white Christmas Eve
Going home to see her Mama and her Daddy with the baby in the backseat
Fifty miles to go and she was running low on faith and gasoline
It'd been a long hard year

She had a lot on her mind and she didn't pay attention
She was going way too fast
Before she knew it she was spinning on a thin black sheet of glass
She saw both their lives flash before her eyes
She didn't even have time to cry
She was so scared
She threw her hands up in the air

Chorus
Jesus take the wheel
Take it from my hands
Cause I can't do this on my own
I'm letting go
So give me one more chance
Save me from this road I'm on
Jesus take the wheel

It was still getting colder when she made it to the shoulder
And the car came to a stop
She cried when she saw that baby in the backseat sleeping like a rock
And for the first time in a long time
She bowed her head to pray
She said I'm sorry for the way
I've been living my life
I know I've got to change
So from now on tonight

Chorus

Oh, I'm letting go
So give me one more chance
Save me from this road I'm on
From this road I'm on
Jesus take the wheel

God has always known all about the “real” you. That is described in Psalm 139:1-2 (TPT): Lord, you know everything there is to know about me. You perceive every movement of my heart and soul, and you understand my every thought before it even enters my mind.  God can only make the changes that need to happen in your life if you allow Him to. He won’t force His will on you. Take some time to think about it (as you make an informed, divine decision.