Night Driving

I recently went on a business trip, driving after work six-plus hours through the night to get to my destination. Driving through the night can be intimidating. There are no streetlights with only the moon to light the sky. And it is lonely with only the occasional fellow red-eye driver on the road. Not to mention having to fight off sleep and keeping the mind from wandering too far.

Along this long stretch were few signs. And as the miles and hours passed, the signs to guide the way seemed further and further apart. My inner-clock deceived me into thinking that I have been driving longer than the many times I had been on this road before. I began to feel insecure. Did I miss a turn? Did I miss a sign? At night I couldn’t see any landmarks to guess at my location or even determine my direction, and I was too tired to trust the miles rolled off my odometer. I just had to have faith I was on the right road, heading the right direction.

Life doesn’t have signposts. We’re not given directions in advance. And we’re often too prideful to stop and ask for directions. Am I on the right road? Am I going the right direction? I think I’ve been down this road before.

“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” (Matthew 7:13-14)

The road following Jesus is narrow. It may be scary to look over the ledge while carefully navigating each switchback as you climb closer to heaven. But you are safe. There aren’t many other cars on this road, but you’re not alone. Thankfully, you don’t have to make this drive in the dark of night. You can follow the light ahead of you. And you don’t have to know the way. Jesus isn’t your co-pilot, he’s your GPS.

This post is part of a blog-carnival hosted by Peter Pollock. Our theme this week is “road“. Check out other contributors for more road-wise posts.

8 thoughts on “Night Driving

  • May 17, 2011 at 5:28 pm
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    Amen – may His light be the only light that leads us!

    He shines always, but we get so distracted by other things along the way…

    great post.

  • May 17, 2011 at 5:55 pm
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    We are indeed safe, the light is bright, and we are not alone. Thanks be to God! And thank you for such a great reminder! Blessings!

  • May 17, 2011 at 6:05 pm
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    Wow…I must have been driving on that same road at the same time! We must have gone right by each other!

    Kidding aside, I cannot remember changing lanes a few times. Scary. Once, I remember trying to figure out just where I was ( No GPS then) and found out that I passed up my exit long ago. My heart sank.

    These days I go well prepared in the event I have to travel at night. The same goes for my travels thru life. Loved that Jesus is the GPS. Our pastor said something similar only related to another topic: "Jesus isn't a crutch – He's my total lifesupport!

  • May 17, 2011 at 6:58 pm
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    I too am thankful not to be traveling thru life in the dark. Thanks for sharing!

  • May 18, 2011 at 1:55 am
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    Thanks, all for you comments. Praise God we don't have to travel in the dark nor alone.

    @Nancy, based on where you're from, we probably did cross paths. You know the drive 🙂 Just like late night on the highway, spiritually it is dangerous to drift out of our lane.

  • May 18, 2011 at 6:10 am
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    WOW great Post: Yes, a GPS will show you the way, and I am so very happy that Jesus is our GPS on this road of Life. His word is our Guide, and He and His Word are one.

  • May 18, 2011 at 4:26 pm
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    We all have our times of insecurity in this life, the senses can be so misleading. Trusting in our flesh instead of the guidance of God in our spirit will lead us down the wrong road every time. Great analogy.

  • May 19, 2011 at 2:27 pm
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    good analogy on trusting the One who leads.

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