Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven…

For the longest time a popular saying could be seen on the rear bumpers of a lot of cars. God is my co-pilot. At first glance it seems to be a noble declaration. God is with me wherever I go. But if God is just the co-pilot, doesn’t that make you the pilot? How is it that you can be the pilot while God is relegated to the role of co-pilot? Actually, we’re generally a lot more comfortable with God in the co-pilot’s seat. He’s there by your side, ready to help out when you need him, but he’s always respectful of your role as pilot. It’s hard to let God be in control, isn’t it? Having God by your side when you need him is one thing, but to trust him with control of your life…well, that’s something else.

The third petition in the Lord’s prayer—thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven— addresses this huge question—Will you trust God to be in control of your life?

This is hard to do. So many of us go through life with a clenched fist, trying to control the uncontrollable, trying to mastermind all the circumstances, trying to make our plans work. But God does not bend his will to conform to ours. Only one will can be done at a time. Either God calls the shots or you call the shots. Either He is in control or you are in control. It’s not easy to pray like that because it means giving up control of your own life. But the happiest people I know are those who have said, “All right, Lord, I’m letting go. I’m going to relax now and let You take over. After all, you’re the pilot. ”