We know these words. We hear these words, ad nauseam and ad infinitum.
Easier said than done. We hate losing control of any aspect of our life, whether it be driving, our physical bodies, our relationships. “Jesus, Take the Wheel”, sings Carrie Underwood. “God is my Co-Pilot”, reads the bumper sticker.

Why isn’t he the pilot?

When we languish in the hospital because answers from the doctor seem to take forever, sometimes the best advice is to “let go and let God”. Actually, that’s the best advice at all times. That means trusting that He knows what we want even before we ask. It is false security to have any illusions of sovereignty or superiority in our life. A beach vacation or a cruise may feel very refreshing, but the nagging life-problems do not go away just because we go away. As we allow ourselves the grace of letting go and letting God, a different kind of peace can permeate our soul. No longer will we cling to judgment, control and comparison. In some ways, I am glad that I am not that smart about the ways of the world, or knowledgeable about too many things. It enables me to yield to The One who is wiser, the wisest One, the only source that can show me the way.

And yet, God is graceful enough Himself to allow me some leeway and freedom, which usually gets me into trouble! When I am aware of my vice-like grip on my life, I have to shake my head and say, “Art, stop right there!”

We wish for and pray for that perfect blend: a cup of humility, a tablespoon of confidence, a full measure of peace, a quart of humor, and a gallon of faith. What good news that even the disciples had to ask Jesus the basics – how to pray, where to go, how to respond to nay-sayers. Every time, without fail, our Lord nudges us back into right pathways – for our sake.  Why?  Because He loves us unconditionally.

Pastor Art