In GPS we trust

When we returned to the US we knew that we would be traveling to parts of the country we had not been to before so we bought a GPS unit for our car, and it has proven to be a very worthwhile purchase. We would simply put in the address of our destination and it would plot our course, tell us in which direction to go, what roads to take and when to turn. We could even find out where the nearest store, motel or Starbucks was located. It is great!

However, there were a few times when it would give us directions and we would wonder if this is really the right way to go. It didn't look like the right road or even the right direction. Sometimes we would chose not to follow its guidance and go our own way. Of course, at those times we would hear that lovely word, "recalculating." But, usually we would follow its directions and, sure enough, we would arrive at our destination.

In fact, this happened today on our way to visit one of Nancy's sisters. Instead of taking the route we found on the map, our GPS led us through some of the back roads of Oklahoma and Kansas. At first we didn't think we were on the right road, and it even looked like we were heading back the direction from which we came, but it ended up being a very beautiful route that took us directly to Nancy's sister's house. And, we saw parts of Oklahoma and Kansas we had not seen before.

As Nancy and I discussed this we said that, in some ways, this is kind of like following the Lord. God has a destination/purpose for our lives that He is leading us to. Sometimes the path may seem clear and obvious, but there may be times we are not sure if we are on the right road, or even heading in the right direction. Of course, we have a choice. We can choose to ignore God's direction and go our own way. (I don't think we'll hear God say, "recalculating" though) But, if we will listen to His voice and trust Him, He will get us where we need to go, and I'm sure it will even be a better path than the one we had planned.

There is a big difference, though. The GPS is NOT infallible. If it has not been updated, it will not always have the correct information and it can make mistakes. God, however, never has to be "updated". He knows all things and never makes mistakes. Therefore, you can ALWAYS put your faith in Him knowing that, as you follow His voice even if the way does not seem clear, He will safely get you to your destination.