Spiritual Journeys
A Life-Long Drive:
This is a shared story of someone's spiritual journey, told through the metaphor of a lifelong drive. It captures the power of surrender, the struggle for control, and the ultimate peace that comes from trusting the right driver.
Life is often described as a journey, but for me, it’s always felt like one long, winding drive. The road stretched endlessly, with twists and turns that took me through moments of joy, despair, growth, and reflection. What made this journey unique wasn’t just the road but the three passengers in the car: me, the devil, and Jesus. Each of us took turns in different seats, but the driver—the one in control—always dictated the course of my life.
The Beginning: I Take the Wheel
When I first started driving, I was filled with confidence and naivety. I thought I could navigate the road myself, choosing every stop, turn, and destination. The devil sat in the passenger seat, his presence oddly comforting. He wasn’t loud or forceful, just there, offering subtle suggestions.
“Take this shortcut,” he’d say, pointing to a shadowy, uncertain path. “It’ll save you time.” Or, “You don’t need to stop for gas yet. Keep going.” His advice seemed harmless, even helpful. Meanwhile, Jesus sat quietly in the back seat. He rarely spoke, but His steady warmth was undeniable. I rarely acknowledged Him, too focused on the road ahead.
At first, I felt in control. I leaned into the devil’s sly suggestions when they aligned with my desires. But over time, the road darkened, and I began to feel lost. My choices weighed on me, and I realized I wasn’t truly in control.
The Dark Times: The Devil Takes the Wheel
One day, I found myself in the passenger seat. Somehow, the devil had taken the wheel. He gripped it with a terrifying confidence, steering us down roads shrouded in darkness.
“This is the only way,” he’d say. I tried to resist, to take back control, but his grip was unrelenting. He whispered lies into my ear: “This is your fault. You’re not strong enough. No one cares.”
I became a passive observer, helpless as the car veered through potholes of anxiety, steep drops of depression, and dead ends of hopelessness. I blamed myself for letting him take over, ashamed of my inability to wrestle back control.
And yet, Jesus remained in the back seat. His presence was a quiet reassurance, though I was too ashamed to face Him. In my darkest moments, I heard His voice: “I’m here. Let Me help you.” It wasn’t a command, just an invitation. For the first time, I turned around. His eyes held no judgment, only love and compassion.
The Turning Point: Letting Jesus Drive
It wasn’t easy to ask the devil to move. He clung to the wheel, his claws digging deep. But with Jesus’ help, I found the courage to say, “I’m not driving anymore. You take the wheel.”
The moment I slid into the passenger seat and let Jesus take over, the atmosphere changed. The road didn’t magically smooth out, but peace filled the car. Jesus drove with purpose, His steady hands guiding us through every twist and turn. His voice calmed my fears and reminded me I was safe.
The devil, now relegated to the back seat, still made his presence known. He muttered distractions, tried to stir guilt, but his power was diminished. His voice was mere background noise. I could see him in the rearview mirror, a reminder of the battles I’d fought.
The Journey Today: Living in Freedom
Now, with Jesus driving, I get to enjoy the ride. I’ve discovered the beauty of surrender—trusting the One who knows the road better than I ever could. In the passenger seat, I focus on the journey: the lessons I learn, the people I meet, the joy of being present.
The devil is still there, but his influence depends on where he sits. As long as he’s in the back, his impact is minimal. The key is keeping him there, refusing to let him creep back into the passenger seat—or worse, take the wheel.
The Importance of the Driver
This lifelong drive has taught me one undeniable truth: the driver determines the direction. When I drove, I was lost. When the devil drove, I was broken. But with Jesus in control, I’ve found peace, purpose, and hope.
The road ahead still has mountains to climb and storms to weather. But as long as Jesus is driving, I know I’ll reach my destination. And that makes all the difference.
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Personal Reflection:
See related article: From Divorce to Discovery — Blessed Ways of Life
