When a ticket sets you back $193, it’s a good idea to determine if the Lord was trying to divinely inspire you in more than one way. Fortunately, in my case, I got a two for one. My very own blue light special. And yes, I’m very proud of that pun.

We often want to blame God when things do not go our way. We want free will and a free pass. My husband never offered to drive the day I was ticketed. He opened the driver’s side door for me and then climbed in the passenger side. For the briefest of moments I wanted to scold him for not offering to drive in his city, but I was reminded just as quickly that I never would have let it happen. Brian knew this so he did not offer.

Brian has offered to drive before, and I have told him no so many times that he quit. How many times have I refused God to have it my own way and then realized later I should have listened?

Too many to count.

God gave us free will. We can choose to use that free will to glorify Him or serve ourselves. Our human nature tells us to turn our attention inward and make sure we feel happy. Without God in the equation, we will not find the ultimate satisfaction we seek.

We fill the empty spaces in our lives with everything else the world has to offer. For me, that is shopping.  Brian nearly had heart failure when my favorite clothing store sent me a “Come back, we miss you” email once.

If I had asked Brian to drive, he would not have hesitated. He would have gladly taken the keys and chauffeured me around the city.

That’s how our heavenly Father responds to us as well. We need only ask and He will take that burden upon Himself and give us the rest we desperately need. Matthew 11:30 tells us, “For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” We have to ask. God is a gentleman. He is there for us always, but He wants that invitation. He wants a relationship with us, and He won’t force it upon us. He will discipline us, but if we refuse to listen and constantly strive to leave Him out, we will miss out on the greatest joy we could ever have known.

Give it up sister! If not, you could be sitting on the side of the road with flashing lights in your rearview mirror and people thankful they aren’t you as they whiz by on their uninterrupted way!