24 Sep
If At First You Don’t Succeed…Maybe You Shouldn’t Drive
The piercing squeal of burning tires roared over top the rambunctious crowd. An entire lifetime boiled down to this. Swerving my car around the final turn I gazed towards the finish line. This is who I am; I was born to drive… Punching the car into fifth, I made cruel mockery of my fellow racers. Almost there! and I…heard a voice?? “Time to go!” I turned my Xbox off, “coming dad!” It was the big day. I had finally reached the wise-ol’ age of fourteen, thus making me eligible to receive my learners-license permit. Only thing blocking my path towards racing greatness was a measly twelve question exam …easy right?
Suddenly remembering the extensive study guide which the registrar’s office had mailed three months prior, I pulled it out from under my bed. Beginning to blow off the dust and remove the shrink wrap, I chuckled and tossed it back to the floor. Study? Me? They don’t call me Daniel “Dale Earnhardt Jr.” Blackaby for nothing!! I’ve seen dad drive; how hard can it be?
March 9: Bursting through the doors I strutted into the registrar’s office with confidence oozing out of every pore like sweat. “Let’s get this baby over with and hit the road! Whoo!” Working my magic I finished in record time. Results: What! I failed? This can’t be! I demand a recount! Fine, I’ll just get it tomorrow!
March 10: More determined than ever, I marched into the building, “Lay it on me, I got a date with the open road in thirty minutes!” Results: Those trick questions get you every time!
March 11: I cautiously peeked my head through the doorway; slightly stuttering, I asked for my test. Results: Isn’t third time supposed to be the charm?
March 12: My limping body forced its way through the doors, head hung low and a twitch in my left eye. “Do you guys accept bribes?” Results: Wow, could have sworn those last nine questions were right… What about credit for a good ‘ol college try?
March 13: Crawling on all fours, my feeble, mangled body slowly inched towards the counter, “Have mercy on me! Don’t make me write that horrible, evil test any more!” Wincing in dread of the looming bad news, the lady came back with my results; “Daniel…you passed…barely” Is that a flying pig I see?
Through that experience I became aware of a simple truth: I can’t learn everything by merely watching others. I’d been watching people drive for years, but that didn’t mean I could back the car out of my driveway. God convicted me this week to trace back all my beliefs about who He is and how I live out my faith.
I made a disturbing discovery: Most of my beliefs come from other people. Christian books are scattered throughout my bedroom, thousands of Christian songs occupy my iPod, and I’ve heard countless sermons. God’s revealed to me that these are great, but only in a supporting role.
What do you believe about God? Ever questioned how you developed those beliefs? I encourage you not to only rely on others’ advice or teaching, but rather seek for God to reveal His truths to you personally, through prayer and His Word.
I have heard of you by the hearings of the ear, but now my eye sees you. Job 42:5
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About the Author
Daniel Blackaby is a junior in college, living in Simpsonville, SC. His biggest passions in life are music and literature. He plays guitar in a Christian rock band and also plays bass guitar, drums, and keyboard.
Apart from playing music, Daniel loves to listen to all types of music and has over 700 CDs on his iTunes. He admits he’s a huge nerd who loves to read and enjoys collecting classic literature. He loves to hang out and have a good time, but his primary goal is to try and live life to the fullest and glorify God in everything he does. You can contact him by email at boonster11@hotmail.com.
Read more about Daniel here.
