Navigating Life with Two Simple Rules

When I was eight, my parents went on a two-week trip without me. They left me in the care of a guardian, their trusted friend. I wasn’t old enough to understand why I couldn’t go with them, but when my new friend arrived, somehow, I knew everything was going to be ok.

Katie radiated joy and came prepared with fun activities, new books to read at bedtime, and the optimistic energy of a 24-year-old. As she tucked me in at night, she assured me that my parents would return soon. I trusted her and settled into our peaceful routine after only a few days.

One morning at the breakfast table, Katie surprised me with her greeting. “Good Morning, when I take you to school today, I’m going to let you help me drive.”

Surely, Katie had lost her mind. Since she had been with us, her car had fascinated me. I had never seen a stick shift or manual car before, and each day I peppered her with questions. How does that work? What do those letters mean? Can I try it? Every day she had said no, until today.

Sitting in the front seat of the car, I put my tiny hand on the gear shift. Before Katie turned on the car, she explained what each of the letters meant and when we’d likely need to use them. She told me that she’d be handling the clutch and all I needed to do was obey two simple rules.

Rule 1: Listen to my voice.

Rule 2: Do what I say, when I say it.

If I did those two things together, we’d make it to where we were going. Excited and a little bit nervous, I waited for my first instruction.

Sometimes I shifted too fast, other times too slow, but each time Katie patiently reminded me of the rules and gave me another opportunity for us to work together. By the time my parents returned from their trip, I had gotten pretty good at navigating my portion of driving Katie’s car.

As an adult, I know that the lesson Katie taught me that day goes much further than driving a car.

Jesus’ disciples were left under someone else’s care when Jesus went to be with the Father in heaven. Jesus assured them that He would be back for them, but in the meantime, He promised them a friend, a guardian who would guide them in His absence.

But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your heart be troubled and do not be afraid.

John 14:26-27

As disciples of Christ, we are given the same promise. We have a guardian and friend who will help us navigate this world until Christ returns.

Sometimes as we travel through this world, we may change gears too quickly or adjust too slowly. This can leave us feeling knocked around or even cause us to stall out in our faith journey. Instead of feeling peace, we feel overwhelmed, lost, and afraid. However, our Advocate is waiting patiently for us to work together with Him and to bless us with the gift of Christ’s Peace.

In each decision and change in the road of life, He is asking us to follow two simple rules.

Rule 1: Listen to the Holy Spirit’s voice.

Rule 2: Do what He says, when He says it.

The Lord longs to travel down the road of life in unity with us, but we must be aware of His presence and take time to sit close to Him and listen to His voice. Keeping our hearts fixed on the truth of God’s Word, and spending time in scripture and conversation through prayer will posture our hearts to be receptive to His voice and willing to follow His commands. Just like a highway is filled with traffic, the world is a noisy place, but when our focus is on the Father we can navigate the road ahead with confidence and peace.

Questions to consider…

• Are you feeling at peace or are you feeling lost and overwhelmed right now on life’s road?
• When was the last time you sat in God’s presence and listened for the voice of the Holy Spirit? (in prayer, in His Word, in worship, etc.)
• What is He asking you to do, and how do you need to respond?

My prayer for you today comes from John 16 –

Jesus,

Thank you for the gift of the Holy Spirit. You came to this earth, died, and rose again so that we might have the Counselor, who lives in and through us. Help us to listen to the voice of truth. We want to turn from our sinful ways and walk in your paths of righteousness. The Advocate cannot speak without you and so by hearing His voice we are hearing yours. Thank you! Open our ears to your will and use our lives to bring glory to you. Make your presence known to us, Lord, so that we might feel your Peace and do your Will.

Amen