-- A Word through Steve Shultz, Publisher, THE ELIJAH LIST Steve's email: steve@elijahlist.com

I was feeling a bit mischievous a few weeks ago. My oldest daughter, almost 21 was riding into the office with me and I felt like goofing off a bit. Sometimes, we all take life too seriously, I've decided.

What do you think?

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THE "WHEEEE!" IN THE ROAD

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We came to that spot on the road that is sometimes fun when you hit the accelerator a bit. My dad, when I was just 6, used to calls such spots a "Wheeee!"---because when the road suddenly drops, it's like a fast elevator ride down, and all six of us kids would yell, "Wheeee!"

So, we came to a "Wheee" we pass every day and as we did, I raised my hands off the steering wheel in mock courage, letting the car be "un-steered" for that crucial moment on the road. Looking over at Tawny, I said something like "See how brave I am?"

"Ooooh!" she said, just as "seriously" to me as I was being to her.

A few minutes later, it was the railroad tracks. As we came to that one-second where the car goes clickity-clack over the rails, I again raised my hands in the air and looked over at Tawny.

"Ooooh! Really brave," she chuckled.

The thing is, I did it a few days in a row after that. I don't know why. It was just silly to do it. So I did it.

That was then. A few days ago, that is.

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WHEN NO ONE WAS LOOKING--AND I FORGOT NO ONE WAS LOOKING

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Today I was driving to a conference. This time, no daughter-- and no passenger was in the car and I was going a different route. But as I was leaving the area, I came across a new set of tracks that I don't go over very often.

Without thinking, and with no one to "impress" I suddenly, spontaneously, --habitually raised my hands in the air.

In a moment, I was chuckling at myself. No, truly shaking my head and just laughing at myself for doing such a silly "brave" thing, all alone, with no one to share it with.

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GOD BEGAN TO SPEAK

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Suddenly, the Lord began to speak to me through this whole humorous thing. Here is what I was sensing from Him,

"That's EXACTLY how I want all my children to act, whenever they come to a "bump or dip in the road" of their lives. At that moment--at the exact moment they encounter a potential hazard just ahead, 'TAKE YOUR HANDS OFF THE WHEEL,' raise them in surrender to me and let me drive your life for you."

It was so clear. So black and white and easy to understand.

I'm a creative person. You know, I like to solve problems. Maybe it's a guy thing. Sometimes, the trickier the problem, the more I like it. But coincidentally, at this time in my life, I've been learning more often to just "let go and let God," as they say. It's been amazing how many "miracle" answers to prayer happen when I take my hands off of the situation.

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WHICH WILL OR WHEEL WILL YOU HOLD ONTO?

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The thing is, you can choose to grab the wheel of life --to control situations the more you encounter them. But there is a reality that is inescapable. . . God is in charge of the affairs of life. What that means is . . You can do it the easy way -- or the hard way.

You can still grab the wheel when life's bumps arrive, but all you're going to do is feel safer, and you may get more muscle spasms as a result. Want to stay more in control? You can.

Or, as life throws those curves at you, you can let go and say, "Lord, my ways are not your ways. YOU take the wheel and change events, circumstances, and people to make things work out. I feel safe. I know if I let go of my "will" this "car" of my life isn't going to run off the road. So, I'm going to just let YOU take the wheel when I let go."

I'm 46 years old and I think I'm starting to get it--- finally. That whole Romans 8:28 thing. God truly DOES cause all things to work together for Good.

But He will not force your will OR your WHEEL.

You get to choose. No matter whether you grab the wheel or not --- likely, because He is God and He is in charge-- you will end up where you are supposed to be-- if you halfway try.

But why not do it in rest instead of in wrestling. At least whenever you can.

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THE EXACT MOMENT TO LET GO . . .

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Did you notice something?

While we've been talking, there's a bump in the road -- just ahead that's been getting closer to you by the second. OK, now just Loosen your grip. Ask the Lord to handle it. LOOSEN YOUR GRIP!

This is THE EXACT MOMENT to let go.

So, if you're really feeling brave, even for a moment, just take your hands off the wheel of your life altogether.

It's not as hard to do as you might think. It just sounds dangerous. Give it a try.

You may discover, if you do take your hands off of the wheel--- the person who will be saying "oooh!" is you. Because honestly, it makes things more fun. And in a sense, it may be one of the bravest things you have ever done. Truly brave because you've never let yourself do it.

Take your hands off the wheel. Smile and say, "oooh! Lord, that was fun!"

After all, don't YOU take yourself a bit too seriously these days anyway?

Bless the LORD, O my soul,

And all that is within me, bless His holy name.

Bless the LORD, O my soul,

AND FORGET NONE OF HIS BENEFITS;

Ps 103:1-2