Transformational Thought
Doesn’t it seem like there is always some road that is temporarily closed for repair? Where I live, we have been hit with a lot of rain and snow the last couple years, resulting in flash floods, downed trees and many potholes from excessive snowplowing. Because of the flooding and downed trees, many were without power and a number of roads were out, particularly around creeks and small bridges. Between the roadwork and the storms, I have run into many “road closed” signs and “rerouting” messages from my GPS.
When my daughters were new drivers, they weren’t accustomed to being diverted from their planned course or finding alternate routes. These “lesser” routes seemed to be a nuisance and they gave them great uncertainty about successfully finding their destination. They would get anxious and frustrated with each delay and deviation from the original plan.
As an engineer, God gave me the ability to visualize space and shapes and I am great with directions and finding places. It’s actually a cool game when detours hit. When my daughter rides with me, she is completely relaxed. She has a confidence that we’ll arrive at our destination because of her faith in my ability to see the big picture and make easy adjustments. So, she is able to continue in gleeful teenage conversation with me as if this new route were the original plan and no detour had even occurred.
Well, how do you respond when life gives you a twist and your plan is interrupted? Do you react with an attitude that is nervous and frightened, agitated and frustrated, or angry and overwhelmed? Or do you have a confident assurance that the map for your journey has been laid out by the Master of the Universe who is in the driver seat while you sit in the passenger seat?
How would you live if you really believed that your future is perfectly planned out and your final destination is secure? Think of the freedom this knowledge would provide. How would you live and feel if you truly believed that no power and no detour, could take away the promise of your ultimate inheritance in heaven? How would you travel through life if you knew you had the ultimate navigator and navigation system showing you where to go everyday? Well, you do—in God and the Bible. Move over and let Him drive and you will have the peace my daughter does when she rides with me.
You see, Satan wants you to think you know exactly what you need, that you can predict the future, and that you can figure out the perfect strategy to transform your own mind and life. His other strategy is getting you to realize that you don’t have the answers, but the world has everything you need. So you allow our crazy culture and world system to be your GPS and pilot.
Today, instead of approaching each day uncertain of your destination and instead of wondering whether you will make it or not, know that God has real answers for each fork in your road. When something unplanned happens, know God purposely allowed it to be there for your growth and to help you in some way. Accept that detour and make the most of it. This is easier said than done. A deep level of trust is required—trust based on the knowledge that His way is perfect. When you are at a fork in the road today, pray. Then choose His way, and go with it. You’ll be surprised at the peace and satisfaction you will have by taking His detours away from the usual destructive route. Whether you place your faith in the Ultimate Pilot and GPS or you trust yourself, it’s your decision, so choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, You are so amazing. I commit myself to You, Father. I am Yours for all time, beyond time, into eternity. I know now that no power can deny me my inheritance in heaven. I know You want me to feel secure. I know, Father, that even when I falter as I journey through life that You will never let go of my hand. Help me to stay on Your course in this lifetime. I know You have awesome opportunities for me to see and experience along my way to Christ-likeness. I pray in the name of the grandest gift, Christ Jesus. And all God’s children say AMEN!
The Truth
The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, And He delights in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; For the LORD upholds him with His hand. Psalm 37:23-24
As for God, His way is perfect; The word of the LORD is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him. Psalm 18:30
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2
