Ice vs. Four Wheel Drive

Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation. ~ Colossians 1:15 (NLT)

Several years ago, I was following my father-in-law, Dave, up a snowy road in central Oregon. The snow was packed and there were definitely some icy spots. We both were driving four-wheel drive vehicles, so felt fairly confident that we would be able to stay on the road. That is until we went around one corner. As we made the turn to the right (at a fairly slow speed), Dave’s vehicle lost traction and began to spin in circles on the ice. It seemed as if it was in slow motion. As they spun, we could see the people’s reactions inside their vehicle. They weren’t screaming. They were all just stone-faced, looking out the windshield with eyes very wide open. They were frozen with fear, anticipation, and confusion at what had just happened, and for what would happen. Luckily, after a couple of good rotations, the car gently nudged a snow bank and came to a stop. No damage was done. And, of course, those riding in my car felt free to laugh at them once the danger had passed.

Sometimes life feels like were in a vehicle on an icy road. We are moving along, enjoying the beauty of God’s creation, when all of a sudden, things start to spin out of control. We feel helpless, as all the efforts we try to correct the situation don’t actually do anything productive. We just hang on for the ride and pray everything turns out OK. Maybe you can relate?

Life spinouts happen for various reasons. Perhaps the spinout was to help redirect us on our life’s path. Perhaps the spinout was an opportunity to learn more trust in God. Perhaps the spinout was of our own making, and we shouldn’t have been on that road in the first place. Most often, I believe, is that we shouldn’t have been the one driving in the first place.

As our verse today puts it, Jesus reigns supreme over all creation. In other words, He is in charge. He made it. He understands it. He can manipulate it. He loves it. He should be the One who is driving our lives. He knows the icy spots. He knows the best route. He can see all the twists and turns ahead. He doesn’t always choose the easiest road. But, He always makes sure that we end up where we need to be.

Today, and every day, surrender your life to Jesus. Let Him drive.