Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Jesus, Take the Wheel

The first day of 2011 was; 1/1/11...That is a date that begs us to begin again. Sometimes beginning is hard, though. Maybe last year was so great you think you'll never top it. But chances are, you are in there with the rest of us, wondering what happened and still mulling over the last 365 days. It went by like a car breaking the speed limit, and here we are facing the long road ahead and we're asking...what's up there, around the bend, over the hill? Uncertainty... no one likes it. I don't. I like to see what's in front of me. I think that's why I always have a "me first" mentality on the highway...and I especially hate when a big truck or van is in front of me.
It blocks my view of the horizon.
Like seeing the horizon is helping me be in control.                                                                                                    

Guess what? It isn't.

There might be a big accident up there, or a crazy driver that's gonna cross over into my lane and cause me to lose control of my car...or maybe I'll run over some small chunk of debris that will cause a flat tire in a few days.

So let's lay it out there and let's admit we don't have control.

How does that suit ya?

And so if we aren't in control, who is?                                                       

We all know...we just don't wanna live like we know...

Jesus is.

Now we should be thinking, "Whew! I can take a day off of running the world!" Knowing that Jesus has it sewn up should take a heavy burden from our shoulders. We should be experiencing GREAT relief right now..are we?

Let me get ask a question (I'm talking to me too)...why are we not relieved? Could it be that we are afraid...like if He's really driving, then He might take us someplace we don't want to go. Yep, and we might not be safe, warm, dry, healthy and happy... and He might allow harm to come to someone we love. We fear this because we know down deep that His ways are higher, and that He wants for us what we often try and run from...growth, maturity, wisdom, relationship with our Creator.
So often He has to konk us on the head or run us over the worlds biggest pothole just to get us to look away from what we are running after and look at HIM.

So...what are we running after...or driving towards? Are we moving at all? Rest assured, if you belong to Him, He will move you...one way or another. But the great thing is, we don't have to fear what might be around the bend or beyond the horizon. He will never leave us alone in the situation. We may have to maneuver some rough terrain, but We can count on Him to drive us wherever He says we need to go.

So let's move over and give Jesus the wheel. He's in the driver's seat anyway. Give Him a little room. He can see past the horizon, really.
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I wrote the above entry yesterday and didn't post it...now I know why. God is requiring that I practice what I preach. Last night at 7, while my husband was home alone, his brother stopped over, rang the doorbell, handed my Husband a note and asked that he not read it till he left. Then my Brother- in- Law took his own life in our driveway, 50 feet from our front door. How can this be? How can this happen? The questions are flooding over us. God's mercy and Grace are flooding as well. Thanks for the prayers and love and support. We will continue on this road...even when the road totally disappears, because of Jesus and his infinite love and the love of friends and family. Because He never promised we wouldn't have heartbreak...but He did promise to take us over and through. All Glory to Him, even as our hearts break beyond repair.

12 comments:

  1. no words, jenn. praying God's grace and peace to pour over your family.

    deb

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  2. Dear Friend, how good of God to give you His thoughts for your blog to help hold you in your seat belt as you face this wild horrific ride. I was so sad to hear of this heartbreak for Jim and your whole family. Of course I have been praying and will continue to pray for wife, children, mom and you all. "Unless the LORD had been my help, My soul would soon have settled in silence. If I say,"My foot slips" Your mercy, O LORD, will hold me up. In the multitude of my anxieties within me, Your comforts delight my soul. With deep love and affection, Annie S.

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  3. ...Pam called us last night...I am in total disarray.. the knowledge of His neverending love is the only sense I can make of this situation.. prayers to you all.. we are here.. grieving with you, sobbing too..(I'm a mess right now)...I can only imagine what you all are going through..

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  4. we are grieving with you and your family. this cuts deep, and this sort of pain has touched our family , too, but Jesus is the lover and healer of our souls. we will never be the same after going through it because He makes beauty of ashes. what a beautiful post. i pray it prepares you for the rest of life holds for you. we love you. please let us know if there is anything we can do for you.
    much love,
    bill and jenn scott

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  5. oh, my dear jenn... my mouth is hanging wide open. tears sprang to my eyes. how very tragic... my heart and prayers go out to your family, as well as jim's brother's family. i cannot adequately express my sympathy for all involved. many hugs to you and yours.

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  6. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
    The McMillan Family

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  7. My dear friend,
    Words cannot adequately express our heartfelt sympathy...and we cannot know the extent of the pain that you and your family feel. But there is One who knows...who promises to never leave us or forsake us...our prayers are constantly with you and your family.
    Kathye

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  8. Who can understand such tragedies? More questions than answers, I know. Take comfort in the sovereignty of God - it has been my strength. May God heal Jim's, his family's and your broken hearts as only He can do.
    Special love, Cathy

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  9. Oh my sweet girl, I am SO sorry. I am also very thankful that God laid the message on your heart before such a blow came. He was girding you, strengthening you for what was about to come. I am so sorry that you both had to face that and for what you are all going through now. I love you dearly and am praying right now.

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  10. Jim,Jenn and family...our hearts break for you all. We will hold you up to the Lord and let Him hug you. Only His words can we cling to at a time like this. JESUS SAID: "I AM THE RESURRECTION AND LIFE. THOSE WHO BELIEVE IN ME, EVEN THOUGH THEY DIE LIKE EVERYONE ELSE, WILL LIVE AGAIN!" Love you both, Nick and Susie

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  11. Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family!

    Kelly, Clark & Owin Justus

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