Let’s consider a couple of hit songs from country singer Carrie Underwood. In “Jesus, Take the Wheel,” she sings about a young mother whose car is sliding on an icy road, and just as she is about to crash she cries out for Jesus to save her. “Jesus, take the wheel,” she sings, “take it from my hands ’cause I can’t do this on my own.”
In “Before He Cheats,” Underwood sings the lyrics of a scorned woman and what she did to her unfaithful boyfriend. While he was off romancing another woman, she was demolishing his car, slashing its tires and leather seats, scratching the paint on its doors, and smashing its headlights with a baseball bat. “Maybe next time,” she sings, “he’ll think before he cheats.”
Both songs resonate with people. Who hasn’t cried out to God in desperation, and who hasn’t plotted revenge on those who have hurt us? And yet it seems that we want to have it both ways. Why do we sing “Jesus, take the wheel” but not “Jesus, take the bat”?
We are too much like Jonah. He begged God to take the wheel of his life when he was swallowed by a huge fish (2:1), but he also wanted to hold on to the bat and take a few swings at his enemies in Nineveh. When they repented and God relented, Jonah angrily complained to God, “Didn’t I say before I left home that You would do this, Lord? . . . You are eager to turn back from destroying people. Just kill me now, Lord!” (Jonah 4:2-3).
Likewise, we want God’s help, but on our terms. We want God to forgive and rescue us, but we reserve the right to “smash the headlights” of those who have sinned against us.
God won’t be played. If you have given Him the wheel of your life, hand over the bat.
More:
• Proverbs 20:22
• Matthew 5:38-41
• Romans 12:17-21
Next:
What is the difference between standing up for yourself and sinfully seeking vengeance? How can you tell if you’re fighting for justice or simply being selfish?
javygirl178 on November 30, 2009 at 1:32 am
Wow. This passage was exactly what I needed today. I have been going through some doubts about my salvation and whether God had heard my prayer to save me…this has been going on for years (with some hiatuses in between times of doubt).
Today was better than some…church helped me, and I wanted to believe I was saved, but still had doubts, but have been praying constantly for God to help me through them and help me believe and trust him.
As soon as I read this passage, it was like ME. I was Jonah. Everything he said in his prayer was exactly what I had been experiencing in my life this week.
It is so amazing how God gives you things exactly when you need them. And while I’m “not out of the woods” yet in this trial, this passage has certainly made me be more at peace this morning.
Lord, I thank you for this passage and ask that you will help me to trust You and that You have saved me, and help me to not doubt Your love and faithfulness.
georgestone77 on November 30, 2009 at 1:24 pm
Javygirl178, I’m glad God led me to this posting today, I believe God would have the perfect message for what you’re facing right now, if you want, check this out:
http://www.solidrockchurch.net/blog/index.php/p/assurance_1_john
I, too, have faced constant doubting concerning assurance, and this message helped me tremendously. I hope it speaks to you as well.
In Christ,
George S.
javygirl178 on December 6, 2009 at 2:18 am
Thank you for this link. I listened to the sermon tonight and it was very insightful in what I’ve been going through. It really did help me.
marvin williams on November 30, 2009 at 6:01 am
Mike, this is spot on. Thanks for challenging us to submit, to Jesus, the steering wheel and all weapons of anger, revenge and unforgiveness. Great post!
cmhighley on November 30, 2009 at 8:28 am
I really needed this study today. I am seperated from my husband and we have been trying to put out lives back together. Last night we had yet another bad discussion about his parents and the phone call did not end. I have a lot of past hurts regarding his parents and their inability to accept and treat all our children the same. I need to learn to let go and let God handle this situation. Today’s reading really hit home I need to let Jesus take the wheel and the “bat”. I will be praying hard to be able to do this. Thank you for your ministry.
mbrown on November 30, 2009 at 9:19 am
Thank you Mike. This hit very close to home for
me, and made me think a lot. I’m dealing with
anger issues, and this passage just makes you
take a step back and think before acting out
irrationally and out of anger and just realize that
God is in control and can handle and take care of
everything. Whether one agree’s with the way He
does it or not. It’s all in God’s hands. Everything
happens for a purpose.
Wesley Wyatt on November 30, 2009 at 9:43 am
Great message, Mike!
I might share this with my congregation!
learning2serv on November 30, 2009 at 2:38 pm
Blessedly on point! Awesome article; thank you!!
Bevy on November 30, 2009 at 9:20 pm
very timely for me, I’m going through tough times in the office right now, a lot of people want me down, I kept on praying yet I still hold on to things and wants to do it in my terms. This article has enlightened me so much……. now I know that I just have to let God take the wheel and the bat as well…….
I know everything happens for a purpose and I cannot question the way of the LORD. God knows what is best for me and my prayers will be answered according to HIS will and in HIS perfect time….
coral on November 30, 2009 at 10:43 pm
Interesting article 🙂
mike wittmer on December 1, 2009 at 2:41 pm
Javygirl:
Please remember that your prayers don’t have to be perfect for God to hear them. As long as we pray in Jesus’ name, his blood forgives any sin in our prayers. So rest assured that God does hear your prayers!