I’m slowly learning to drive a manual transmission car. My own car is automatic, so I’ve dragged my feet. I know I should learn—it’s a good skill, and necessary to drive my husband’s car. But my car is much easier: I won’t stall or jerk or grind the gears.
Thankfully, my husband gently nudges me to practice. He even found a quiet neighborhood in which to drive around. I’ve gotten a little better each time, always with his loving encouragement from the passenger seat.
The Lord treats us similarly. He doesn’t force us to grow in our walk with Him. He won’t trap us into becoming more like Christ. Instead, as 2 Peter 3:9 says, “The Lord is patient, not wanting anyone to perish” and “the Lord instructs those who fear Him” (Psalm 25:12).
The Lord loves us too much to make us robots. I’m glad I can see His gentle nudges in my life, like my Bible on my nightstand or a reminder to contact an old friend. I can choose to ignore the Holy Spirit’s nudges, or I can step forward in faith, growing closer to Him each time.
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