I just passed a car with the bumper sticker “God is my co-pilot” pasted on the back end. Of course that one has been around for years but I noticed when I read it this time that the message bothered me.

That’s not how I view my relationship with God. Co-pilot? I think of a co-pilot as someone who can assist the flight or take over if necessary – maybe aid in navigation. I wonder how God would like to put up with grabbing the controls of my life only every time I threw him a command.

My experience with God is a bit different than that. I don’t feel like I’m anywhere near the cockpit much less piloting the plane. Rather, I’m a passenger in coach on a sometimes rocky flight that I have no control over. God is up in the front cabin and he’s the only one qualified to pilot this life of mine. I couldn’t help him if I tried.

Many times I’d like to knock on the door and be admitted where I could see what’s going on and what’s coming ahead in my life. Yes, that would be nice. But then, I’m supposed to be enjoying the flight and he’s supposed to get me there safe. I have my job; he has his job.

Whenever life seems a little bumpy and I need to fasten my seat belt snuggly I remember that I have the best pilot in the universe – one who is perfectly capable of flying solo. “I will put My trust in Him.” (Hebrews 2:13)