Driving But With One Focus

“Go to the next lane,” my husband told my son… “this lane you’re on leads to the freeway.”

My son’s hands steadily moved the steering wheel a little to his left.

My son knew how to drive for how long I don’t remember. But this time, he needed more hours of driving time to accumulate before he applies for his driving license. I often asked my husband since he was off this whole week, for both of us to take him and allowed my son to drive in different streets here in our area and a little farther sometimes. I wanted him to get familiar with places and not to get comfortable getting directions from a voice-prompted box up on the dashboard. I wanted him to get more opportunity to drive especially at night when the surroundings are darker and some of the roads are not that easier to see sometimes.

I feel like that. We are all driving in unfamiliar roads no matter how many years come and go in our life’s journey. Even if we take a wrong turn at times, it’s okay. We can choose to learn from our mistakes. But what’s not easy is to have that courage to say that “we are wrong” and accept the responsibility to apologize and return to the right road we were once in.

As we are already on our second day of 2011, we will be facing many unfamiliar roads. Forget the wrong turns. Forget the discourteous other drivers who loved to be ahead of others. Forget the fear from having cars that had broke down and got stuck in scary places. We are given God’s greatest blessing when we chose to drive on that narrow road. Whatever happens as we drive, we are already given this greatest hope and joy that is up ahead. We have his direction [Word] if we truly listen to it. Just like how my son trusted my husband, we will be okay if we follow His direction by completely trusting in Him.

“God the Father chose you long ago, and the Spirit has made you holy. As a result, you have obeyed Jesus Christ and are cleansed by His blood.” – 1 Peter 1:2

We are not promised that our drive will be smooth. For sure, we will be driving not expecting what is to come up ahead. But whatever hindrances come our way, may our driving techniques show other drivers who don’t know Jesus of what it’s like to be guided by Him.

When fiery trials come our way this year, may we learn to accept them as part of a refining process. A process that will burn away the impurities and prepares us to meet the Greatest Driver up ahead.

I leave you with His awesome answer and direction:

“All honor to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, for it is by his boundless mercy that God has given us the privilege of being born again. Now we live with a wonderful expectation because Jesus Christ rose again from the dead. For God has reserved a priceless inheritance for his children. It is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay. And God, in his mighty power, will protect you until you receive this salvation, because you are trusting him. It will be revealed on the last day for all to see. So be truly glad! There is wonderful joy ahead, even though it is necessary for you to endure many trials for a while.” – 1 Peter 1:3-6 [LAB]

“Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again – rejoice!” – Philippians 4:4

Lord, give us the strength, the guidance and discernment to live our lives holy for You are a Holy God. Help us focus on what lies ahead. On those things that are imperishable. Protect us Lord as we drive through unfamiliar roads. Sustain us with your gift of joy that no matter what goes on outside, our inner attitudes will always reflect the joy we found in You. Thank You Lord for Your grace, love and mercy. Thank You for giving us the true direction on where to go. Heaven and earth will disappear but Your Words will remain forever. Glory be to You Oh God! In Jesus’ Name, I pray. Amen.