The movie Cars has been a favorite of both of my kids. Justin when he was little, and Megan at the ripe old age of 17 has found a new appreciation for the movie. One of my favorite parts is when McQueen tries to race the “old timer” Doc to get out of fixing the road. McQueen is arrogant, hot-headed, and convinced that he will win without trying. As McQueen speeds off across the starting line, the crowd cheers. As the dust settles there sits Doc, he hasn’t moved an inch. The onlookers exchange confused glances. Everyone begins to question him, he sighs and says, “Oh dear. It seems like I’m off to a poor start. Better late than never. Come on, Mater (the tow truck) I might need a little bit of help.” They both slowly drive off with everyone stunned into silence. The next thing you see is McQueen, going as fast as he can. As he comes up on the corner, he cranks his wheels to the left, but the car can’t find any grip on the dirt. He loses control and finds himself careening off the cliff into the cactus. Doc slowly drives by and tells the tow truck to fish him out. Doc, later explained to McQueen that you have to turn right to go left when racing on dirt. McQueen was quick to dismiss this idea as pure foolishness.

The Bible is full of this kind of foolish talk. Do you want to be great? Be the least. Do you want to gain your life? Lose it. Do you want to be fulfilled? Empty yourself. What about peace and comfort? Those come through trials and tribulations. All of it sounds like complete foolishness. And yet…

I was listening to a devotional the other day on Philippians 2:5-8 “You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though He was God, He did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, He gave up His divine privileges He took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When He appeared in human form, He humbled Himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.” NLT

As I continue to chase my tail with medical issues, I’ve found myself slipping into questioning and doubts again. I try to solve the puzzle. I look for answers and run in circles, all the while being distracted from what is really important. I try to cling to the physical. As I heard this verse, I realized how arrogant and selfish I was being. Jesus, though He was God set that all aside and willing stepped into our mess. My Creator walked this Earth. He is in control and has decided that these health issues are the path that I’m going to walk. He made me. He knows me better than I even know myself. As I begin to doubt and question, I look around at my family. His hand is so clearly being seen in their lives right now that I’m beyond humbled. He has been faithful. Through all the trials and hard times, they have walked through, He has used every single event to mold and shape them. To bring them to this very moment and time. To the friends, school, churches, and events that they are involved in. He has orchestrated every detail with mind-blowing accuracy. The verse starts with, “You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had,” if Christ as the very Word of God was willing to humble Himself in obedience to the will of God…How much more so should I, as His very creation, humble myself to His will and plan for my life? His “foolishness” is so far above my wisdom. As I trust Him and turn right to go left, I’m constantly surprised to realize that He does know what’s best for me. Maybe one of these years I will be able to crank that wheel at full speed and trust His plan for me fully and without reservations.

 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written:

“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, And bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.”

1 Corinthians 1:18-19 NKJV