Transformational Thought
Our GPS is so awesome. We just returned from our annual family vacation down south, a road trip to the beach with several stops along the way. No need for maps or pulling over to figure out where we were; no arguments with my wife about whether or not we were lost, no nagging from kids who were sick of my “shortcuts”! We just kept plugging addresses into the GPS and we reached every destination.
Even though the GPS was always right on this particular trip, it wasn’t so easy a couple years ago. My biggest obstacle was learning to trust it … especially when a different route looked quicker. But I humbled myself, decided I didn’t have to be the one in control, and accepted instructions from our sweet-talking GPS.
Often life’s path is fuzzy. We don’t know which direction to go or what step to take. But God, who is our guiding Lighthouse and personalized GPS, always promises to show us, his children, the way to the Promised Land, if we allow Him. Remember the wise men who visited Jesus? God took them to the right spot and then back home a different way to avoid trouble. They humbly listened and trusted His sovereignty, love, and guidance. They didn’t argue, saying, “God, this ain’t the same way You brought us.” They just humbly followed their personal all-knowing GPS.
The first and most important step is to admit you don’t know the way and need an expert, all-knowing guide. Even when you drift slightly from following His lead, you are at great risk. Satan is waiting at every exit ramp and detour. Going your way or veering off- course just a few degrees will quickly take you far from your destination and especially far from your Lord’s peace and safety.
The next step, just plug in the destination – the Mind of Christ – then humble yourself to His directions! Stop trying to take shortcuts that just get you more lost and frustrated. Each time you do, God has to recalculate from your shortcut to the original destination. That route isn’t as peaceful or fun as the original one He laid out for you.
Today, like the wise men, look for that guiding star in your life. Stop while contemplating one or two decisions today. Before you execute them, ask yourself this question, “Whose GPS am I using, God’s or mine?” Look at your motivations for the decision at hand and consider whether your action is consistent with God’s instruction, character, and promises. Thinking before acting never hurts. Be willing to follow wherever He leads you. He is the light from on high that will guide you, step by step into the way of peace. Whether you use God’s GPS or you use your own hunt and peck method is your decision, so choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father, Today I feel confused. At times, I don’t know which way to go. I confess, Lord, that I swerve off course in my own wrong direction. I desire with all my heart to walk Your way … the way of peace. My life is one storm after another. Please, Father, shine Your light on me. I need Your light because I live in a cold, dark world. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit so that Your Word enlightens my mind and heart. Let it empower me to stay on the right path. I have an open, seeking heart, Lord. Help me trust your GPS for my life and not be so tempted with flashy looking dead-ends. I pray in the name of the One who walked the perfect path, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say – AMEN!
The Truth
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6
...because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace. Luke 1:78-79
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. Psalm 119:105
“Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. Matthew 2:2, 9-10
