by: Jim Schlottman
1/1/2006

As we started down the long hill on I 70 near Georgetown, I hit black ice. A helpless feeling came over me as I realized that I had no control of the car. Having lived in Colorado for 30 years, I knew that I needed to turn into the skid and to let the car follow the direction it was heading. In a few short seconds, that felt like an eternity, I regained control of the car and continued on safely into Denver.

Right now you may feel like your life and ministry are on black ice and you don’t have control of the way they are going. Just like the fear that griped me when the car skidded out of control, you’re feeling great fear. This fear you are feeling is most often of the unknown, but it’s an unknown of which you can be fully confident the Lord knows all about. Just like I’ve learned to drive on ice in Colorado, you can learn how God wants you to respond when you’re on the black ice of life.

As I said, when you hit black ice while driving, the correct reaction is to turn into the skid and to let the car follow the direction it is heading. You almost have to let go of the steering wheel. Similarly, when you feel like you don’t have control of your life and God is leading you in new direction that is not on your radar screen, turn into the way God is leading and let Him take you the direction He is guiding you.

That sounds simple, but just like driving on ice, it’s still scary. It’s not easy to admit that you don’t have control. It’s frightening to enter new areas that are unfamiliar and to go in new directions.

As a pastor or missionary, one of the reasons God called you to ministry was because He made you to go it alone in difficult situations. Having spent a lot of time around pastors and missionaries, I have learned that you wouldn’t be able to carry out your mission if it were not for your ability to take control of a situation and make things happen.

However, those same abilities that are part of your call, make it additionally difficult for you to turn into the skid and let go of the steering wheel.

Paul gave good instructions for this course of action. In Philippians 4:6 and 7 (NIV) Paul said, “Do not be anxious about anything, [LET GO OF THE STEERING WHEEL] but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” “ And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

So, right now, let go and let God.