Drivers. There are many types of drivers on the road. Ones who drive slowly and others who drive fast. There are parents trying to keep their kids quiet or attentions fixed on something to make the drive more pleasant. There are those who sing to the radio and others who are texting to tell about the latest thought or comment to be said. Then there are those who are angered because of drivers getting in their way. What kind of driver are you?
As children of God, we are suppose to let God be the driver of our lives. He is the one in control. He is the one steering the direction we need to go. As such, we should think how that applies to the way we drive on the road.
As a driver on the road, we face so many things where our reaction is vital to how others see us. This is a great place to show Christ’s love. We can let another driver into traffic. We can pull to the side to let the driver behind us move ahead. We can make sure to obey the laws of the road. We can wave at the driver and passengers sitting at the red light next to us. We can also respond in prayer for the driver who displays obscene gestures to us. Speaking of prayer, we can pray for the officer we see standing on the road with a car pulled over, those involved in car accidents we see as we pass by, and even the bicyclists and pedestrians. After all, your prayer may be the only one that person has praying for them and they made need it. In fact, we all do-always.
On the flip side, there are also things we can do to grow closer to God while we are faced with traffic. Actually, anytime we are delayed. Our society is fast paced, leaving little to spare for quiet time with God, both prayer and listening to His voice. Traffic delays are really a blessing. Consider rush hour. What is the average time you spend in traffic? As an example, let’s say you spend one hour in traffic. This can be turned into a one hour devotion with the Lord. Even just fifteen minutes is great!
Getting prepared for your traffic devotional is very simple. First, program Christian radio stations on your tuner. Second, have Christian music ready to be played on CD or streaming from a device. Third, locate the “off” button on your stereo. You can alternate your devotions daily. For example, since Mondays tend to be one of the busiest days of the week, get yourself pumped up with the Lord by singing praises. Tuesday, listen to the Bible on audio. On Wednesdays, listen to a sermon (many people use the middle of the week to attend a Bible study to get fed, but not everyone has the time to go). Thursdays, talk about God with kids or passengers in the car. On Fridays, turn off the radio and just talk to God and listen. Alternate the devotions, but take this traffic time to use as a devotional.
While we may face delays on the road , I have found there are many reasons for this. Some I don’t fully understand, but there has been time and time again, I have found I was not suppose to be somewhere at a given moment. I was delayed and God had protected me from something harmful. I have also be called to drive somewhere, having been one of the few on the road, only to come upon an accident where rescue need to be called. Then there were times, I was on the road only to see a stranger in the car next to me or a pedestrian and I felt the Holy Spirit prompting me to pray.
Remember the fruits of the spirit on your daily drives and outings. They are: love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23) Also know this: wherever you find yourself, you have a purpose.