Is God Your Co-Pilot?
Many of you may be too young to remember the bumper sticker, “God is my co-pilot,” which was popular on cars back in the 70’s. I mentioned the phrase last weekend when I spoke at a women’s retreat, poking fun of the idea. Now the darn phrase has gotten stuck in my head and has me wondering. Who is driving this “ship” of mine?
The mental picture of me being the pilot of my own “human”craft and navigating the turbulence of life makes me very uncomfortable. Why? Because I don’t know how to fly anything! Including the twists and turns and bumps of having five kids and “doing life.” Days can be crazy. I looked up the responsibilities of a Pilot: The pilot is the one who is in control and calls the shots. The co-pilot is his assistant, providing an extra set of hands when needed. I already admitted I don’t know how to fly. The question is, do I even want my own steering wheel?
Do we need a steering wheel if we’ve released control of our lives to God? As a follower of Jesus Christ, isn’t this what we claim to do - to place our lives in God’s hands? God doesn’t need us to step in and take over, even in an emergency. (Trust me, I’ve done that many times.) God always gives us the freedom to choose whether we pilot ourselves or we trust Him to direct our steps. He won’t force Himself on anyone. He’s a gentleman that way. But his heart must ache for us each time we stubbornly insist on leading instead of following Him. There are so many potholes we could have avoided.
So what is “doing life with Jesus” to look like? Some days I think it looks like riding a jet ski through rough waters, sitting closely behind God - God operates the gas, the brakes, the steering and we are clinging to Him for dear life. Our arms are wrapped around Him with a tightening grip as we make sharp turns. There is nothing else in front of us to grasp but Him. We can close our eyes and hold on tight until the rough parts are over. It’s a good picture, but something’s missing.
The “God driving and us clinging to Him” is correct, but you and I aren’t here merely to hold on tight and take a ride with God. God has places to take us and work for us to do. “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Eph 2:10 ESV.” He also has many blessings He wants to give. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” Jeremiah 29:11. He has much good in store when we let Him be in control.
Perhaps a better analogy of what life with the Lord is to look like is this. A tandem bicycle: two seats, two sets of pedals, and only ONE set of handlebars that actually steer. Take a few minutes to Google, “Just Pedal Poem,'' for the beautifully written analogy of us sitting in the back of a tandem bike, with God in front at the wheel telling us to pedal. I’ve shared the poem many times. Your riding on the back of a tandem bike with God might begin with a prayer:
Lord, I want to be on this ride with You. Let’s go the way You know is best. Lord, tell me when to pedal hard, when to lean right or when we need to stop and be still. I want to follow You. I will choose to sit with You each morning before the day begins so we can enjoy each other’s company - just You and me. Our time together will help me to follow your lead when we’re out navigating the rough terrain. Father, I’m not afraid of this ride together with You. But I’ve got to admit it feels scary sometimes not always knowing where we’re going. God, help me to keep my hands off the driver’s wheel and let you lead. I will cling to you and enjoy the beauty of this ride.
Which picture fits you best? Piloting your plane, holding on for dear life behind God on a jet ski or sitting in the back of a tandem bike? Which seat will you choose to sit on today?
The LORD says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you” Psalm 32:8 NLT.