Jesus Took the Wheel~

Tuesday Greetings~

A few years ago Carrie Underwood released a song called, “Jesus, Take the Wheel.”  I loved it, and those words came to be the daily theme of my life.  Sometimes I would whisper it under my breath, and other times I would belt it out in a full scream.  I became known for saying it – so much so that even when Rayray’s friends came over they would sing it to me. 

One line in particular says, “Jesus take the wheel, take it from my hands. Cause I can’t do this on my own. I’m letting go…”

Join me in saying AMEN!

Right around the time this song came out I had two teenagers living at home, and I fully understood that once they left the house, there was nothing I could do.  I couldn’t protect them, whisper in their heart to say “No” to drugs, grab them by the shoulders and help them walk away from temptation, or anything else, for that matter.  However, I could pray for Jesus to take charge.   I could pray for Him to spread His wings of protection over them.  In this crazy society where so many unwholesome things are competing for our children’s’ attention, I could pray that His voice emerge the loudest.   

Time and time again Jesus took that wheel and steered my kids right out of harm’s way, which is why Rayray gave me a keychain for Mother’s Day that says, “Jesus took the wheel.” She recognizes that He is in control and always ready and willing to take the wheel of anyone who is willing to let Him have it. 

Psalm 37:23 A person’s steps are made secure by the Lord when they delight in His way.

We delight in His way when we admit that we can’t do life on our own.  When we admit we need His constant help.  When we realize that we are essentially powerless, and that He is all-powerful.

What is the result of all this delighting, of asking Him to take the wheel?  Our steps and the steps of those we love are made secure. 

PRAYER: Dear Jesus, Take the wheel!  You are the only One Who knows how to get us where we need to go.  Guide, protect, and bless us and our families.  In Your name we pray, Amen~

God's Way~

Wednesday Greetings~

 

Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

This verse is such a comforting and beautiful promise for all God's children.  No matter what is going on in your life right now, you can boldly say that God is on your side.  He is all about setting you up to bless you, not harm you.  To give you hope, not despair. To give you the something to look forward to, not leave you perpetually crashing into one dead end after dead end.

Oooohhhh--I can hear some of you lamenting, "God's plan is not happening for me.  I am not prospering.  I am under a lot of stress. I am hopeless..."

Hit the brakes, people!  Let's break it down, yes? 

The very first thing we learn from this verse is that the plans belong to God.  

It doesn't say, "I know the plans I have for myself," declares Yenise, "plans to prosper myself..."

This does not mean I don't have plans.  I do--lots of them.  And right now I am quaking in my ankle socks just thinking about what would have happened if I could have somehow exerted control over Rayray's life and sent her to school last year.  And don't think I didn't try.  I called and cajoled and cried to them, but they wouldn't budge.  (I may have initially had a minor temper tantrum).

I was so smug--thinking to myself, "You won't budge?  Fine.  But you'll see; I know Someone Who will make you."

I turned to God and pleaded with Him to move the red-tape mountain.  I asked Him to unholster His heavenly guns and cause a ruckus.  I begged Him move the hearts of the inept ding dongs who messed up. 

Crikey! NOTHING HAPPENED.  

Except that all along God was busy behind the scenes setting us up to bless us.  When we couldn't see how it would work out, He could.  He always knew His plan was best.   And He also knew that we would eventually comes to our senses and thank Him for being in control.  (The older and wiser we get, the more quickly this happens).  He knew that we would re-embrace this life of faith and accept that our way of thinking must take a bow to His will for our life.  

Sometimes that can be difficult because we are just so sure that everything would be better if ________ (fill in the blank).

What did you fill in the blank with?  I am not saying to let it go completely.  After all, Rayray is in school this year.  I am saying, however, that God knows best, including the timing of things.  If you're still waiting for something or someone, or if your dreams are on hold or even non-existent, let's take a step of faith together and embrace God's plans.

Ecclesiastes 3:11 "It is beautiful how God has done everything at the right time."     

PRAYER: Dear Lord,  If we're being honest, sometimes it's hard to believe that Your plans are best.  There are things You have allowed that we would not have chosen for ourselves.  But today, as one big DEVO family, we take a step of faith straight toward You and thank You that You are in control.  Nothing and no one else has a say in our lives.  We open our arms wide to receive all the good You desire to do in us and in those we love, and we find comfort in knowing You have perfect timing.  In Jesus' name, AMEN~