In my young crazy days as a new bride in El Salvador, I forced myself to learn to drive a standard shift car in crazy Salvadoran traffic. I was terrified, but I reasoned that a woman of faith gets behind the wheel even when she’s scared. I wanted to be a woman of faith, right?
One evening when my husband was out of town, I had the brilliant idea to practice driving alone. I jerked our little red hatchback out of the driveway and took off down the road, stalling every 50 yards. I got lost in a maze of streets downtown when I noticed the gas tank was on empty. I had no money, and I was too scared by the stories I’d heard of robberies to stop and ask for directions.
I started sweating. No money, out of gas, can’t drive, and don’t know the way home. Great.
Then I started praying, “God, please help me get home before the car runs out of gas!”
God must have answered that prayer because I made it home, and after that, I was never afraid to get behind the wheel of that little red car again.
Sometimes we have to get behind the wheel of life and trust God in the face of uncertainty.
Life can look uncertain, and we wonder, “What if I lose my job? Will my retirement fund be enough?” We watch the news, and our fears grow. “Will my kids be safe at school?”
Our greatest weapon against fear is trust.
We may be tempted to trust in so many things: a big bank account, a new car that won’t break down, a beautiful house in a nice neighborhood, or a strong husband or wife to care for us.
God’s provision goes far beyond any bank account.
God is more dependable than the newest car.
He’s safer and more secure than any house.
And He loves us more truly than the most faithful spouse.
No matter what you’re facing today, friend, God is your Helper. Whether you’re worried about how to pay the bills or how to make it through the day, you have a Helper you can trust. God is our unchanging Rock, our Fortress, and our Deliverer. He is our Strength, our Shield, our Joy, and our Hope. No situation is too hard for Him, no obstacle too great, so let’s get behind the wheel of life and trust Him. Are you in?
Now it’s your turn: How has God proven Himself to be trustworthy in your life?
I’m linking up with Kate Motaung’s Five Minute Friday. Writers all around the world join in a flash mob of free writing. This week’s prompt is “Trust.” Join us over at Kate’s place for fun and encouragement. Also joining with Arabah Joy’s Grace & Truth, and Susan B. Mead’s Dance with Jesus.
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Faith Spilling Over... Into Everyday Life 
October 9, 2015 at 3:52 am
Great post, Betsy, and I could see you in the Little Red Car, learning about far more than driving!
I trust God to get me to the end of each day, and so far, so good. I’m bloody and can barely stand (not walk, certainly), and can’t see out my left eye (healing from accident)…but I’m HERE.
Good to go.
#6on FMF this week.
http://blessed-are-the-pure-of-heart.blogspot.com/2015/10/your-dying-spouse-67-whom-can-you-trust.html
October 9, 2015 at 12:47 pm
I’m glad you describe yourself as “Good to Go.” I’m going to use that phrase for myself today. With God, I’m good to go.
October 9, 2015 at 4:01 am
Great little tidbits and reminders with a fun story to remember it all with.
October 9, 2015 at 12:47 pm
Thanks for stopping by Jennina.
October 9, 2015 at 11:29 am
Indeed, God is trustworthy! He never changes, is always faithful, and loves us unconditionally. And He is always with us–always. There’s never a moment of any day when I am alone. What great comfort I find in that truth! Thank you for sharing this important message today!
October 9, 2015 at 12:48 pm
Thanks for being here, Sabra. As I read your comment I think about your friend who’s husband is so sick. We never know what life will bring, but God is trustworthy.
October 9, 2015 at 1:01 pm
Great post, Betsy! I love your story. So often, it’s taking that first step of trust that’s the hardest, and yet it is what lays the foundation for future situations. When we see how our faith is rewarded by our faithful God, then it is easier to trust Him next time!
October 12, 2015 at 2:32 pm
You are right, Linda. Each step of trust lays a foundation.
October 9, 2015 at 1:45 pm
What a great story! It brings to mind some of the “crazy” things I did in my twenties, throwing myself out there on God, and He came through. It also makes me wonder if I’m becoming too “practical” (read that “stodgy”) in my middle years. Food for thought to take me into the weekend!
October 12, 2015 at 2:32 pm
Ha! I’m another one who might be becoming too “practical.” The last time I went to El Salvador, I thought, “I’m getting too old for all this adventure!” We need to stay young at heart!
October 9, 2015 at 2:44 pm
Great post, Betsy! … “Sometimes we have to get behind the wheel of life and trust God in the face of uncertainty.” <— This is so true, sweet friend! Blessed to visit with you this morning! Hope you’ll stop by and link-up with me today! Peace and many blessings to you, Love! 🙂
October 9, 2015 at 3:43 pm
Hi there, Tai. I didn’t know about your link up. Thanks for letting me know. If I have time today (busy day with 12 guests tonight) I will.
October 9, 2015 at 4:21 pm
No worries and no rush, Love! Just whenever you have time! GOD bless you! 🙂
October 9, 2015 at 5:42 pm
Betsy,
I love this…reminds me of learning to drive a stick on the steep narrow streets of western Pennsylvania. God has proven Himself trustworthy over and over again. With the trust comes confidence which builds hope and casts out fear. Always good to have a great reminder…Thanks for that today!!
Blessings,
Bev
October 12, 2015 at 2:34 pm
May He bless you today, Bev, as you keep walking with trust!
October 9, 2015 at 6:26 pm
I’m facing uncertainty right now! We are looking at overseas deployment for my husband in the very near future and I’m certainly clinging to the promises of the scriptures to get through this uncertain time! I love this Betsy: “Sometimes we have to get behind the wheel of life and trust God in the face of uncertainty.” My hands are so far off the wheel and this would normally feel so scary but I am trusting God to be my light and to carry us over the wall and through the troops! (psalm 18:28-30) SO glad to be a part of the Sweet to Soul team with you!
October 10, 2015 at 3:04 pm
Oh, Jodie. That is some hard news. I’m praying now that the Lord will guard your husband and guard all of you in his perfect peace. I so appreciate the sacrifice men like your husband are making.
October 9, 2015 at 8:57 pm
Such a timely message these days! I was feeling very discouraged by all the bad news the other day, and the verse in Revelation about Jesus “walking among the seven golden lampstands” (ie, the churches), reminded me to trust Him. He is with us, in everything we go through. And He will help us, always. Thanks for this great post, Betsy! I hope you’re settling in to your new digs and routine. I think you had the right idea for Andres’s first year of college!
October 9, 2015 at 10:07 pm
Yes, Lisa, we’re slowly getting settled in. Sorry you’ve been feeling discouraged. It is tough to keep our chins up when the news is so bad, isn’t it? I appreciate you and appreciate your stopping by and commenting.
October 10, 2015 at 3:16 pm
Beautiful encouragement, friend! Love the story of how you trusted God, and how He showed His faithfulness again in your life. He is so good! Thank you. Have a blessed weekend!
October 11, 2015 at 3:11 am
I hope you’re having a good weekend, too. Julie.
October 10, 2015 at 3:38 pm
thanks for another weapon in our ever lurking battle against fear, Betsy.
if we ever needed to be well-armed it seems to be right now.
super stuff here today!
October 11, 2015 at 3:12 am
You are so right. We need to be well-armed! We were born for such a time as this, Linda!
October 10, 2015 at 4:30 pm
Thank you, thank you, thank you! I just heard what God has been saying to me… again in this post today! Thank you!
October 11, 2015 at 3:12 am
Blessings to you, Tondra. Thanks for being here today.
October 12, 2015 at 8:39 am
Hi Betsy, in so many ways God proves Himself more than dependable or in your words trustworthy.
Thank you for narrating your experience.
Blessings to you friend
October 12, 2015 at 2:33 pm
Thanks, Ifeoma. Blessings to you. I appreciate your being here today.
October 12, 2015 at 2:53 pm
I loved reading this post. God has proven himself trustworthy so many times in my life. We don’t want the hard times, but it seems that these are the exact times when we really learn, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that God is there for us, always.
October 13, 2015 at 5:10 pm
You’re right, Dawn. No one wants those hard times, but we learn so much through them. Thanks for reading my words.