How's Your Driving?

Recently, I was driving to work, minding my own business, and a semi-truck unexpectedly pulled into my lane.  With about 5 feet between the front of my car and the rear of the trailer, my view of everything ahead was blocked.  I had an awesome view of that trailer but other things like upcoming traffic signals and other cars were totally blocked.  Because I drive this route daily, I knew that we were very close to an intersection and all I could see was this huge trailer.  With almost no thought, I took my foot off the gas pedal, checked my rearview mirror, and glanced to my right to see if I could change lanes.  

My reaction to the truck is a no-brainer now. However, that wasn’t always my reaction. I can remember times shortly after I started driving that my reaction was to get as close to the back of the truck as I could and hope that we both made it through the intersection without getting hit.  During those early years of driving, I thought getting close to the truck and hoping for the best was the way to go.

Fortunately, through experience and training and seeing how others reacted, I’ve learned a much better way to handle this type of situation.

Life is a lot like that drive to work.  One minute you’re cruising along minding your own business and the next minute a semi-truck is in your lane.  Many times, my reaction has been to get as close to whatever the problem was and simply hope for the best.  Again, through experience and training and seeing how others have reacted to life’s problems, I’ve learned a much better way to address them when they come up. 

Know that trouble and problems will come your way.  Call it “defensive driving” for life. 

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.  In this world you will have trouble.  But take heart! I have overcome the world.” 
John 16:33

This doesn’t mean walking around just waiting for the next hammer to fall.  It means to live confidently knowing that no matter what happens, God is in control!

Know the rules of the road. 

Arm yourself with biblical truth (scriptures) that will produce calm, confident responses to all situations.  There are many verses that give comfort and direction when we face a trial.  Here are some verses that we can use as prayers during the situation: 

“For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.” 
Isaiah 41:13 (NIV)

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
1 Peter 5:7 (NIV)

“And call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me.”
Psalm 50:15 (NIV)

Take your foot off the gas pedal. 

Intentionally slow down and try to create space between you and the situation.  This slow down gives you time to seek God’s will regarding how He wants you to address the issue. Many times, this change of perspective will bring possible solutions into view. 

“But those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles, they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
Isaiah 40:31 (NIV)

Look all around for a way out. 

Whether it’s backward, to the side, or straight through, God will provide a way for any situation. 

“We all experience times of testing, which is normal for every human being. But God will be faithful to you. He will screen and filter the severity, nature, and timing of every test or trial you face so that you can bear it. And each test is an opportunity to trust him more, for along with every trial God has provided for you a way of escape that will bring you out of it victoriously.”
1 Corinthians 10:13 (TPT)  

This verse doesn’t mean we can’t or won’t be knocked down.  It doesn’t mean we can’t or won’t be hurt.  It means that God can and will help us up.  He can and will heal us.  Lastly, what seems like utter failure in my life can be used by God to bring about a victory in someone else’s situation.

Learn from experiences, both your own and the experiences of others.

Life is an ongoing lesson and we should never stop learning. When I started driving, I felt that the best reaction to that semi in my lane was to get as close to it as possible and hope for the best. I know now that was far from a good plan. By the grace of God, I learned a better way gradually instead of having an accident.  The most eye-opening moment I can recall was being in the car with someone else driving who reacted in a much more appropriate manner.  When we keep ourselves surrounded in Biblical community, we get to see how our brothers and sisters in Christ face life’s up and downs. It gives us the chance to teach and learn from each other. 

“In the human body there are many parts and organs, each with a unique function.  And so it is in the body of Christ.  For though we are many, we’ve all been mingled into one body in Christ.  This means that we are all vitally joined to one another, with each contributing to the others.”  Romans 12:4-5 TPT

One of the most amazing things about this formula of being as prepared as possible, being grounded in the Word, slowing down to seek God’s direction and will, recognizing and utilizing the solution He will provide, and remaining in community is that it works in all situations. Good or bad, big or small, it works. If we do our part, God will do His part. The catch here is that, like all skills, this takes practice. If we think of and use this formula as a failsafe, we are missing out. If we continuously apply this formula to our lives as our “Plan A” it becomes a lifestyle.

If I apply the driving analogy to my life to determine growth, I’ve come a long way. I started out with flawed, panicked, sometimes dangerous reactions to life’s unexpected twists and turns. Now, my reaction is much more controlled….by Him. I’m learning to follow the formula. Eventually, as I drive through this life, I’ll be constantly scanning front to back, top to bottom. Always, looking for what life brings, big or small good or bad.  Always seeking and applying God’s will to what life offers.  Always fully engaged in Biblical community, leaning on and supporting my brothers and sisters.  And I won’t even be distracted by the radio.

My driving is better than it used to be, but I want it to keep getting better.

How’s your driving?