Transformational Thought
There was an amazing breakthrough about 20 years ago in automotive technology. Generically, it’s called traction control. Practically, it means a computer onboard your car measures the amount of grip or traction of each wheel over a thousand times per second. Based on that measurement, the computer applies more or less power to each wheel, ensuring that the car moves forward under control and, most importantly, in the desired direction.
Amazing! This guidance and power is automatic. It’s built into the car’s system. We don’t have to ask in order to get this incredible life-saving service. With this at our fingertips, our only responsibility is to aim the car in the right direction.
I believe this is how God blesses us with His power. On any given day, you may have trouble maintaining control. You may find yourself on a slippery slope, at risk of going in a direction you didn’t intend, and ultimately crashing. The more challenging the day is, the more of His power He places at your disposal. He continually senses (much more than 1,000 times per second) where your mind and heart are and what your slippery road is like. In response, He provides His power in the right places and in the right way. You don’t even need to ask—it’s automatic. That’s the Holy Spirit in you.
So, the logical question is, “Why do all of us still make mistakes, sin and slide off the road into ditches of frustration if God is providing all this traction, power and guidance?” The answer is that we need to steer toward God. Just like driving a car, the power is useless if we don’t steer in the right, or His, direction. We can’t look in the direction of pornography, alcohol, caffeine, food, work, ESPN, power, looks, money, gadgets, control, sex or toys. God’s peace and comfort that surpass all understanding cannot be found in those directions or things.
Don’t steer toward the false roads, detours, counterfeit dead ends and destinations that Satan and your old self offer. Christ shows you the direction that is best for you if you pay attention and read the Bible. You have free will. It’s your responsibility to control the steering wheel. God does all the rest. So, yield to His traction control. As you are challenged, so shall you be strengthened. Amazing!
Today, if you struggle but don’t sense His power, the problem isn’t His lack of power. The problem is your steering. His traction power is always there. He never sleeps, slacks off or goes on vacation. If you are off-course, it’s because you are steering in the wrong direction. Wake up and look at the decisions you are making. Know that a simple glance and a decision made in faith to follow your Lord is enough to connect you to the ultimate source of guidance, power and traction control. Whether you steer in God’s direction or you steer toward Satan’s false “Promised Land” detour into life’s traps, it’s your decision, so choose well.
The Lighthouse Network resource Edging Forward is uniquely designed to help you make decisions that steer you in the right direction, maximizing His power in your life rather than squandering it. Check it out.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I look to You with faith and thankfulness. Today my strength seems so insufficient for the demands I am facing. I look to You, Lord, for the strength sufficient to handle the challenges of this day. Thank You for Your traction control every minute, especially when I am losing control as the day gets slippery or windy. Give me eyes that see the truth and recognize Your beacon directing me back to You. I also ask for wisdom as I steer. Give me courage and patience to see and follow Your direction and avoid the traps set before me. Thank You, Lord. All glory be to You! In the name of the One whose death gives me power over death, Christ Jesus. And all God’s children say AMEN!
The Truth
Your sandals shall be iron and bronze; As your days, so shall your strength be. Deuteronomy 33:25
Seek the LORD and His strength; seek His face evermore! Psalm 105:4
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:9,10
