DON’T HIT THE POTHOLE: What My Worst Driving Lesson Taught Me About Trusting God

"See that pothole up ahead? Don't hit it," the driving instructor said.

Suddenly, I was laser focused on the obstacle I was told to avoid.

My knuckles turned white as I gripped the steering wheel, pressing the accelerator, barreling toward the inevitable.

"Don't hit the pothole!" The teacher yelled, but it was too late.

Jesus didn't take the wheel that day, because I refused to let it go.

That experience was so jarring that I can still see the teacher's toupee askew on his head and hear his angry hiss: "You're the WORST driver I've ever seen!"

Our faith walk can be a lot like that.

Fear takes over, and we assume the bad in ourselves and our scenarios.

We don't want to make the same mistake again, but we don't know how to avoid it, so we shut our eyes and hope for the best.

How can we become better drivers?

I don't know about you, but I'm tired of getting my rims bent out of shape. I'm sick of running over mysterious, shameful nails that slowly leak my soul flat.

We don't need a new set of tires or a smoother road. We just need better instructions.

That anxious, condemning voice screaming in your head, telling you that you're the WORST? It's not from God.

Pull over and tell those lies to get out in Jesus’ name.

Then listen to the Truth.

Your Father speaks gently, patiently, full of mercy and grace for learners like you and me.

Take a deep breath, buckle up your faith and turn your gaze to God's amazing grace. Then, get back out on the road to life.

Jesus came from Heaven to earth to pave the way for you with His blood. He'll never abandon you or leave you without a tow.

If you trust in the Lord with all your heart and fix your eyes on Jesus, you'll begin to move in the right direction.

Focus on what His Word says:

Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse.

Philippians 4:8 (MSG)

Is there a problem or sin that you keep hitting over and over again?

Ask God to help you loosen your grip on the wheel and trust Him.

He'll never steer you wrong.