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Writer's picture: Simone Parke Simone Parke

Updated: Sep 21, 2022



This blog was created to awaken the beauty and strength within women from all walks of life through encouragement, authenticity, truth, and love. This is your official invitation to abide and ride through this journey called life by sitting in the seat of contentment, faith, and trust as we allow Jesus to take the wheel.


A few years ago I was on my way to Atlanta, GA for a road trip. It was just me, my music, and the beautiful scenery. As I was driving the Lord spoke to me in a still, small voice. He gently asked, "If I were driving your car and you were in the passenger side trying to grab the wheel, what would happen?" My immediate response was that we would get into an accident, the journey would be delayed, and someone could potentially get hurt. He then asked, "If I were driving your car, you were sitting in the passenger side, and you allowed me to drive without you grabbing the wheel, what would happen?" I chuckled to myself because I had an idea of where the conversation was going. My response was that the ride would be smooth, we would enjoy the presence of each other, and that the journey would be a peaceful experience. His response to my answer has remained with me until this day. The Lord gently whispered, "This is how I want you to live your life; abiding in Me, trusting Me, and enjoying the ride with Me, as I take the wheel and lead your life."


This moment and phrase, "Abide and Ride", has carried me through many seasons in life; the highs, the lows, and the in between moments. In John 15:5-7, Jesus says "I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you."


At first I thought abiding was simply a cute word for resting and enjoying God's presence, but John 15:5-7 reveals that the only way to truly abide in the Lord is to remain in and obey His word. God's Word is a lamp unto our feet and it illuminates our path; giving us clarity, instruction, and wisdom. God's Word is His love letter to us and by learning and knowing God, we simultaneously discover who we are in Him.


Throughout every moment in my life, Jesus has been there to hold my hand and remind me to abide and ride with Him as the driver of my life. The moment that I take my eyes off of Him and try to take control, I end up getting anxious, fearful, disappointed, upset, etc. But when I shift my eyes to Him, remain in the Word, let go, and trust God to be the driver of my life, God's peace carries me and gives me the strength to grow through even the toughest moments with joy.


Life isn't always easy but through Jesus we have access to contentment, peace, joy, and hope that will carry us through any moment in life. I have learned that in order to grow, one must learn to become comfortable with being uncomfortable. Releasing control can be one of the most uncomfortable things to do when you are use taking the wheel, but as children of God, when we receive Jesus as Lord and Savior of our lives, we are filled and empowered by His Holy Spirit to do everything that Jesus did on earth. Through the Holy Spirit we are empowered to be who God has called us to be and to do what God has called us to do. His Spirit gives us the strength and the heart to let go, obey, and trust God.


The only person who can hinder you from walking in the fullness of who God has called you to be, is you. Growth and maturity are on the other side of fear, pride, and discomfort. Let go of fear, trust God, and get comfortable with being uncomfortable.


"Tomorrow's crown is worth today's cross."


Be encouraged, stay the course, enjoy the journey, and abide and ride.



- Simone Parke











Abiding Prayer:


Dear Lord, thank you for the gift of Jesus; our King, our Savior, and our Friend. Thank you for the gift of your Holy Spirit; our comforter, our guide, and the revealer of truth. Thank you for the gift of your Word. Thank you for the opportunity to learn more about you and learn how to live to please and honor you through reading your love letter to me. Holy Spirt give me the strength to obey God's truth and follow your lead, change my heart, and order my steps. I invite you to take the wheel of my life as I choose to abide and rest in you throughout every season.


In Jesus' name, Amen.


Abiding Scriptures:


John 15:5-7 NIV

"I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you."


Zechariah 4:6

".... ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty."



If this blog has encouraged you in any way, please feel free to like, comment below, and share!









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