Autobahn Christian

How many times have I left God in the dust? Too many. Sometimes I feel like an Autobahn Christian, wanting to take life at warp speed. Yet God often operates like a 95 year old man out for a Sunday afternoon drive (or so it seems). At the outset of the journey, I can get behind God. Trolling along, enjoying the scenery. Then we take a turn down a dirt road. I'm still behind God, but now He's kicking up a bunch of dust, and I can't see where we are going. Frustration sets in.

As frustration builds and mingles with a little fear, impatience begins to grow. Before long I am back there bobbing and weaving, wondering why we are still moving so slow. Anxiety and frustration increase. I begin to tailgate, often having to slam on brakes. Pretty soon, tempers flare. Road rage. Why are we still moving so slow? Will we ever get there? Does He even know where we are going? As tension builds, the urge to speed ahead overwhelms me, and I dart into the other lane and floor the accelerator.

Inevitably, my joy ride does not last. I skid into a little 360 action and am thrown from the vehicle, which lands in a ditch. I lay there dazed and confused at first. When I finally get my bearings, I stand looking at the junk heap that once was a fine ride. It's crumpled, steam billowing out from under the hood, doors hanging open. What am I going to do now?

About that time He comes rolling up, leans across the seat and opens the passenger door.
"Need a lift?" He says, with a toothpick in His mouth and a look of calm contemplation in His eyes.
I walk over, all covered in scrapes, cuts, bruises and dirt.
"I'm a little messy. I'd hate to get your car all dirty."
"No worries. Looks like you could use a helping hand there. Why don't you let me drive for a while?"
I get in.
"Better buckle up," He says with a grin, toothpick still in place.

Just as the buckle snaps into place, I am pressed into the seat by the shear force of our speed. We are flying down the road so fast that things seem to blur in and out of focus. I nervously glance at the speedometer. It's only registering 20 mph!!
"That's obviously busted," I say, thinking aloud.
"Things aren't always as they seem, my child. Look behind us."

I turn, only to see countless cars behind us. All tailgating, bobbing and weaving. Slamming on brakes. Occasionally, they will even bump into each other. Sometimes the drivers are shouting in frustration. Finally, one breaks loose and rockets ahead of us. Meanwhile, we are still moving at warp speed. How in the world can anyone pass us while we are moving this fast?

"We'll stop and pick him up in a bit." He says, one bent arm resting in the open window. Toothpick perched in one corner of His mouth.
"Lord, I don't understand. Out there, it feels like you are moving at a snail's pace. But in here, things are happening so fast, I can barely see."
"Yes, child. I told you, things aren't always as they seem. All I ask is that you trust me. Some things aren't for you to understand just yet. But I have your very best interest at heart. I know the plans I have for you. Plans to prosper you, not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future. All in due time. All in due time."

Just over the horizon, I see the steaming, crumpled wreck that had passed us only moments ago. The forelorn driver stands, staring at the mess. We slow to a stop and offer him a ride. As he climbs in, I am startled to realize he looks just like me.