This past week, while at a gas station, I decided to drive my car through their car washing machine. I’ve done it many times at other stations and knew the drill â€" drive forward and put the car in park; sit there while the machine does the job, then drive forward slowly when the light turns green. However, at this station, there were attendants directing you: “Please put your car in neutral and DO NOT step on the brakes; keep your steering wheel straight.â€� As I hesitantly obeyed, I felt a track take over my vehicle and slowly begin to move it forward, just a couple of feet behind another car! It took every ounce of will-power to keep my foot off the brake! Suddenly, my car was covered in a soapy foam so thick, I was blind to my surroundings! I held my steering wheel tight and prayed that the driver in front of me kept their foot off the brake too. For those 30 seconds, when I was at the mercy of a machine, I was filled with anxiety and doubt, forgetting that the attendant was observing from the outside. When the water began to wash off the thick soap and I was able to see again, a wave of relief washed over me. I nervously laughed at my lack of control and was reminded that this is exactly how God leads us! In the New Testament, as a storm ravaged their vessel and they were blinded by the raging sea, the disciples cried out to Jesus in fear and full of anxiety because they could not control their situation. Jesus, having been in the boat with them the entire time, answered them, "Why are you afraid, O, you of little faith?“ He was telling them, "I'm right here! I’m in control! Let me be your eyes! I can see things far better than you can.â€�

In order for the Lord to cleanse us properly, we must allow Him to lead us â€" blindly. It is by faith (the confidence in things unseen) that God’s mighty power can be released into the lives of His children. When we are filled with fear and doubt, we are unable to yield to God the full control He requires. God asks you to put yourself in neutral and let Him take the wheel of your life as He guides you into situations that require you to have a little faith. When you’ve learned to trust that He will take care of you, He will reveal Himself to you clearly and you will have emerged cleansed and blessed. Place your ultimate trust in the Lord Jesus and let others observe God working in you. Obey His instructions, no matter how anxious you may feel, and release control to the Father!

Suggested Prayer: Dear Lord, forgive me for always trying to see my own way through. Help me to remember that you already know the way and I just need to trust you. Fill me with your peace so that I will have the faith to let you take the wheel. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

1.    Matthew 8:26 (ESV).

Today’s Encounter was written by: Veronica B.