August 19, 2009
I was recently in San Francisco on business, and for the first time I rented a GPS with my rental car. I knew that all I needed to do was enter in the location that I wanted to get to and the GPS would give me step by step audio and screen instructions on how to get there. I could even pick the language or accent of the voice for the audio instructions on the GPS. I was hoping that I could find a Scottish accent on the GPS, but no such thing. I settled for an English accent.
To back up for a minute, you need to know that I am a map guy. I love maps. I love the fact that I can look at a map and get the big picture. I can see where I am in relation to everything else. I can understand what direction I need to go, the roads I need to take and the distance I need to travel – and therefore the time it will take – in order to get to where I want to go. With a map I am at peace because I can figure out what lies ahead – I can prepare for it. With a map I am in control.
With a GPS you can get the big picture as well, but typically it’s used to give you step by step instructions to your destination. Turn left in 200 meters. Turn right in 1 kilometer. Proceed for 5.4 kilometers, then turn left on Jones St. – that sort of thing. So, I entered in the name of the hotel I was staying at and the GPS began to give me step by step instructions from the airport to the hotel. At first I found this really frustrating – Where was I in relation to the big picture? How long would this take? What land marks would I be passing by? Where was I in relation to the ocean? However, as I drove on I experienced an unusual peace. I didn’t need to figure everything out. I didn’t need to be in control. I could rest in the fact that the GPS would get me to my destination and all I had to do was take the next step it gave me.
Then it began to dawn on me – this is how God directs us. Rarely does He give us a road map, though we may beg and plead for one. No, typically He leads us one step at a time. We could call them “God’s Purposeful Steps”. We must believe that He knows where He is leading us and that He is good. He knows the plans He has for us. He is in control, not us.
So drive through life following your GPS – “God’s Purposeful Steps”. He will lead you and guide you. He is good.
Psalm 32:8
“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.”
Strength and courage,
David