Two of my closest girlfriends and I try to get away for a girls-only weekend at least once a year. Most of the time we rent a car for the trip and I’m the DD—designated driver—there and back and for all points in between.

This year we found ourselves joking about how hard it is to be a passenger in a car with certain drivers. I took great delight in describing a few of my husband’s driving habits and how those habits drive me crazy. I found myself saying I’d much rather drive than ride—I believe my words were “I’m a much better driver than passenger.”

The day following our return, I exchanged a text message with one of the girls who went with me on the trip. She thanked me again for driving especially with the bad traffic and weather we encountered on our way home. Without hesitation I texted back my little mantra about preferring to drive and then it happened—just as I hit send on my phone—I heard the Holy Spirit say, “That’s the problem, isn’t it? You always want to be in the driver’s seat—the designated driver of your life. That’s God’s seat not yours.”

It’s true. I find it very difficult to simply trust and let someone else take the wheel—even my Heavenly Father. Sometimes my daily Christian walk mirrors my driving preference—I designate myself as the one to steer, speed up or slow down, come to a complete stop or turn around! I ask you, how egotistical is that?

Thank you Holy Spirit for reminding me so clearly who really IS in control of my life. As a believer I don’t have the right to sit in the driver’s seat because when I do sit there, I make wrong turns that create detours I am ill-prepared to navigate. Father God, I do want you to be my designated driver. I don’t want to delay the blessings You desire to provide because of my stubborn disobedience and lack of trust.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.  Proverbs 3:5-6

C. Deni Johnson