Always remember who is in charge!

“Then Jesus said to his followers, “If people want to follow me, they must give up the things they want. They must be willing even to give up their lives to follow me.” Matthew 16:24 (NCV).

Many people are stressed out these days. One of the reasons, I believe, we are stressed is because we do not want to let things go in God’s way. There is a saying that says, “let go and let God.” You would find peace and rest when you let it go and let God work out things for you.

Jesus said to the followers this critical statement, “if people want to follow me, they must give up the things they want. They must be willing even to give up their lives to follow me.” The message Bible says the verse in this way, “Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You’re not in the driver’s seat; I am. Don’t run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I’ll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self.”

Many of us want to lead life our way even after becoming his followers. It does not work that way. Listen! it only adds stress to your life. KJV says the verse, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” What do all these mean? If you are a believer and follower of Jesus Christ, you are called to “die to yourself.” It means dying to self desires. It also means giving the captain or pilot seat to Jesus by taking your hands off the wheels. Let him drive you. It means complete and absolute surrender to Him and His plans.

You must God drive your life. Two people cannot sit in the driver’s seat and drive. If that happens, driving won’t look good. It may even look scary. Often, when things go against our plans and will, we complain and fight instead of giving over the situation to the Lord. He can safely drive your life and accomplish His plans through you.

Every day, every hour, and every minute, we must remember who is in charge? If the Lord is in control, you do not need to sweat over many of your issues and problems. He is the sovereign Lord who can providentially and safely drive you to desired destinations. 

“Father in heaven, Help me to remember every day, every hour, and even every moment the fact that I am your follower and you are the driver of my life. Would you please help me trust you and fix my eyes upon you as you drive me through difficult places with your providential, sovereign, and all-powerful hand? I surrender all of my life and its choices to you, Lord. Use me and my circumstances to bring glory to you. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.”