Work Choices.

Mark 8:34-35.
Calling the crowd to join his disciples, he said, “Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You’re not in the driver’s seat; I am. Don’t run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I’ll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to saving yourself, your true self.

These verses hit home once again that God is in control - or is He ??

You have to make a choice!  If you want God to lead - let Him have the drivers seat - the control.

How easy is it to say yes Lord - you're in control of my life, but then slip back into our old ways and take the wheel and try and do things on our own.

I was reminded by a song sung by Carrie Underwood (of American Idol fame) which speaks of this fact.

She was driving last Friday on her way to Cincinnati
On a snow white Christmas Eve
Going home to see her Mama and her Daddy
With the baby in the backseat
Fifty miles to go and she was running low
On faith and gasoline
It'd been a long hard year
She had a lot on her mind and she didn't pay attention
She was going way too fast
Before she knew it she was spinning
On a thin black sheet of glass
She saw both their lives flash before her eyes
She didn't even have time to cry
She was so scared
She threw her hands up in the air

Jesus, take the wheel
Take it from my hands
Cause I can't do this on my own
I'm letting go
So give me one more chance
To save me from this road I'm on
Jesus, take the wheel

It was still getting colder when she made it to the shoulder
And the car came to a stop
She cried when she saw that baby in the backseat
Sleeping like a rock
And for the first time in a long time
She bowed her head to pray
She said I'm sorry for the way
I've been living my life
I know I've got to change
So from now on tonight

Jesus, take the wheel
Take it from my hands
Cause I can't do this on my own
I'm letting go
So give me one more chance
To save me from this road I'm on
Oh Jesus, take the wheel
Oh, I'm letting go
So give me one more chance
Save me from this road I'm on
From this road I'm on
Jesus, take the wheel

Maybe it takes some major "incident" for us to realise that we must give up our control and let God have it.
 
Maybe it's not - maybe it's in everyday circumstances that start to put the emphasis on letting go and letting God.  I know both situations where the case for me.
 
Verse 2 of Song 680, reminds us again, that it maybe His calling to give up the "ordinary" to take on the "extraordinary".
 
SASB 680
1.  By the peaceful shores of Galilee,
Mending there nets by the silvery sea,
The fishermen toiled at their tasks each day,
Till the Master walketh along that way.

Follow thou me He calls again,
And I will make you fishers of men.
As in the days of Galilee,
Jesus is calling you and me.

2.  And they left their nets when they heard his voice,
Making the Master's call their choice;
And they toiled with him for the world astray,
To bring men back to the Father's way.
 
3.  And the self-same voice is heard today,
Calling to men in the self-same way
As the fishermen heard by Galilee;
Leave now your nets and follow me.
Sidney Edward Cox (1887-1975).

Lord, thank you for you still small voice that calls us to let you lead.  Forgive us as we often take over the wheel on occasions.  Lord, I pray for your assurance, your peace, your strength as we consider your call in our lives.  Amen.