Cruising down the highway with exactly enough minutes available to make it to my destination on time, I got stuck behind a truck driving just a little slower than I had my cruise set. I contemplated passing, but knowing I really wouldn’t gain much, I decided to follow.
The truck led the way until we came to my turn. As I changed direction, I watched it continue down the road. It no longer blocked my view or slowed my pace; I was alone on the highway.
Following the truck got me thinking about following our Lord.
There He is in front of me. Sure, I say He is leading me, but all too often, I actually feel like I’m stuck behind a truck. I try to look ahead and get impatient; I think about trying to pass. I cross the centerline, doing my best to peek around, looking for a clear shot of what is ahead. I want to see; I want to know. I plead with the Lord, “Just give me a clue, a hint of what’s to come.”
And He replies, “Get back in your lane. Keep your eyes focused on Me. Trust that I can see down the road and am leading you. Stop worrying about what is ahead and fix our eyes on Me.”
“But, I have a better way, Lord,” I declare, “I can avoid that traffic ahead. I won’t have to face that roadblock. If only, you’ll let me lead. I know where to go.”
“You, my child, have a different way, but it is not better,” I hear Him reply.
“That traffic is exactly what I will use to teach you patience and perseverance. Facing that roadblock will force you to rely on me. Yes, there are things you can do on your own. And by traveling your own way, you will reach the same destination, but it is not about the destination. I have bigger plans for the journey. Follow Me, your ways are not My ways.”
“But, Lord,” I whine, “I am running behind. I need to move faster. I’m going to be late and miss out on what lies ahead.”
“Dear Daughter, you are exactly where you need to be. Stop trying to pass Me, and adjust your pace. Reset your cruise, and follow me. Stop rushing ahead and, instead, look around. I have plans for you, right now, right here. You will arrive at the exact moment, which I have already determined. You will not be late, for my timing is perfect.”
And so, I slide back into my lane. I tap the brakes and fall comfortably behind my Lord, my truck. I set the cruise, I follow, and I pray.
If I want to let go and let God, first I have to let Him lead.
Father, I’m not good at this. I want to see, I want to know, I want to set the pace. But, Lord, I know You have a plan for me. I know You have already mapped out my course. I trust You to guide me, protect me, and prepare the road for me. Help me follow and not grow impatient. Help me trust in what You see instead of relying on my own limited vision. Thank you, Lord, for going before me.
Friends, if you are stuck behind a truck right now, I pray that you hear the Lord. I pray that as you wrestle with impatience, He grants you hope and peace. Please remember, “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged” (Deuteronomy 31:8).