Trusting His Divine Guidance
It’s a phrase we throw around when life gets chaotic: “Jesus, take the wheel!” Made famous by a country song and now a cultural catchphrase, it’s usually said in a half-joking, half-panicked moment of surrender. But what does it really mean to let Jesus take the wheel? And what does it look like to stay in the passenger seat, trusting His direction instead of trying to grab the steering wheel every time the road gets bumpy?
I know for me, until Jesus took the wheel, my life was out of control. I look back and remember all the times I let myself get into dangerous situations by making radical choices.
Today? Not only am I older – like almost great-grandma older – but staying in my passenger seat makes life a lot easier, less stressful, and much, much happier!
Let’s dive into what it means to trust divine guidance, how to stop backseat driving in our faith, and what happens when we truly surrender control.
Letting Go: The Hardest Part of Trust
Trusting God doesn’t come naturally. Most of us like to know the plan, map the route, and keep our hands firmly on the wheel of our lives. But following Jesus means surrendering not just the outcome, but also the process.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV)
Leaning not on your own understanding is the hard part. Trust is about not knowing and choosing to move forward anyway, believing that God sees the whole road ahead even when you don’t.
From Driver to Passenger
Think of it like this: when you’re driving, you’re responsible for every turn, stop, and detour. You have to read the signs, anticipate traffic, and stay alert. It’s exhausting.
But when Jesus is driving, your role changes. You’re still present, but you’re no longer in charge. You’re not checking GPS every five seconds or panicking at the next unexpected turn. You’re riding shotgun, eyes open, heart steady, letting Him lead.
Riding shotgun means:
- Trusting His timing
- Accepting unexpected detours
- Believing that even delays serve a purpose
- Resisting the urge to micromanage from the passenger seat
When the Road Gets Rough
Let’s be real: giving Jesus the wheel doesn’t mean the ride will be smooth. There will still be potholes, flat tires, and foggy patches where you can’t see more than two feet ahead.
But here’s the difference:
When Jesus is driving, you’re never lost.
Even if you feel confused.
Even if the route makes no sense.
Even if you end up somewhere you never planned to go.
God doesn’t promise an easy road, but He does promise His presence on the journey:
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.” (Isaiah 43:2 NIV)
Trusting the Driver Means Loosening Your Grip
Maybe you’ve been white-knuckling your way through life. Holding tight to every decision, every dollar, every deadline. But control is an illusion.
Sometimes the most faith-filled thing you can do is let go of the steering wheel.
Jesus invites us to:
- Loosen our grip on control
- Stop second-guessing His plan
- Rest in His character instead of our circumstances
It’s scary to release control, but it’s also freeing.
God’s GPS: Trusting the Detours
Ever followed your GPS and it rerouted you through some weird backroads? That’s how God works sometimes.
He sees roadblocks you don’t.
He avoids traffic jams you can’t predict.
He knows the scenic route that refreshes your soul, even if it adds time.
God’s path might feel slower, but it’s safer. It might be longer, but it’s wiser.
“The Lord will guide you always; He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame.” (Isaiah 58:11 NIV)
Signs YOU’RE Trying to Drive Again
Sometimes we say “Jesus take the wheel” but then grab it back 10 minutes later. Here are a few signs you’re trying to drive again:
- Constant worry and overthinking
- Frustration when things don’t go your way
- Rushing decisions without prayer
- Feeling like outcomes depend 100% on you
If this sounds familiar, it might be time to slide back into the passenger seat.
Surrender Isn’t Passive
Letting Jesus drive doesn’t mean you do nothing. It means your actions are rooted in faith, not fear. You still:
- Pray
- Prepare
- Show up
- Love people
- Make decisions
But you do it with open hands, letting God guide the results.
A Daily Ride-Along
Surrendering to Jesus isn’t a one-time prayer. It’s a daily choice. Every morning you get in the car, you have to decide:
- Who’s driving today?
- Will I trust the path, even if it’s unfamiliar?
- Will I thank Him even when we’re stuck in traffic?
Your faith ride may not always feel fast or glamorous, but it will be faithful. And at the end of the journey, you’ll be glad you didn’t waste your energy trying to steer a car you were never meant to drive.
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Stay buckled in grace,
Karen
