063. Growing Closer to God in the Car (Part IV): The Epic Conclusion

24 Aug, 2011

There’s tons of lessons we can learn in the car that we can take into the rest of our lives. One of those things is to never attempt to eat a taco supreme while driving.  It just ends in tears.

I’ve blabbed on a lot about spiritual growth we can do in the car, like learn fruit of the spirit, apply Scripture, understanding God is in control, and loving others. There’s one major thing too that we have to attain when we’re sitting in traffic or get stuck behind idiots… …That is rejoicing.

JAS 1:2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, [3] because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. [4] Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

It’s not enough to just be patient while sitting in traffic, we must rejoice. Unless we can rejoice, we’re still missing the whole point. God wants us to grow. Growing is good.

How much better is it for us to learn patience, love and self-control through something as mundane as driving so we don’t have to learn it through family turmoil, financial hardships or a zombie attack?

Wouldn’t it be much better to learn to have patience, to trust in God’s sovereignty and understand passages like James 1:2-4 and Romans 8:28 while driving… before you get fired and can’t find a job?  Or go through a death in the family?  Or by watching Glee? Use your time in the car to build up your spiritual life, so that when life hits you in the face, you’ll be ready. Then you’ll be the one ministering to others, rather than being the one having to be ministered to.

And you’ll know when you’re ready when you can rejoice and thank God for the traffic. Boy, I have a long way to go.


JAS 1:2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, [3] because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. [4] Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Take Time To Pray: Ask God to see all aspects of life, including driving, as under His control, as a spiritual situation, where you can learn more about Him. Today’s Fruit of the Spirit: Joy