Drivers and Traffic
by Rebecca L. Mahan
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.
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