“Remain in me, and I will remain in you” (John 15:4).

Panic should be reserved for those in the passenger seat. A few weeks ago I had a heart-in-my-throat ride with my 16-year-old niece who had recently gotten her drivers license. Finger indetations can still be seen in the dashboard. I exaggerate, but only a little.

Now, the difference between my experience and the experience to which Jesus invites us is that my niece will get better at driving the car and could eventually become better at it than I.

However, God invites us into his world, his life, his car, so to speak. His plan is to remain in the driver’s seat. We will never be better than Jesus behind the wheel of the life he brings us into. If we take the wheel, at best, our movements will be stop-start and everyone in or around the car, including ourselves, will be in a continual state of doubt and distrust. At worst, we’ll all end up in a ditch.

When God invites us in, he invites us to ride with him, not to drive the car. Nor does God invite us simply to drive like he does. He wants the wheel. Have you given it to him? In every area? 

Think about these areas: your finances, your plans for the weekend, your most recent idea, your relationships. When’s the last time you opened those areas and other areas to God? When’s the last time you asked what he wants you to do in those areas? Perhaps ask him today.