Linked to God's GPS

Decisions need to be made every day. We even have to decide where to look for guidance in making those decisions. Where do you turn for help?

People frequently rely on technology for answers. Advice on almost anything from creating a tasty beef stroganoff to caring for a sick pet can be found on the Internet. The Web also provides resources on how to find a perfect mate, get a better job, and invest our money.

My friend has a car installed with a guidance system (GPS). After she puts the address of our destination into the GPS, a pleasant voice instructs us to continue ahead, turn left, or turn right. If we deviate from our instructions, the system knows it, and immediately tells us. Then step by step, it gives instructions on how to get pointed in the right direction.

Wouldn’t it be great if God provided us with a personal GPS? We could call it God’s Perfect Strategy system. The beautiful box, designed to fit individual style and taste, would sit next to our bed. To receive guidance for the day, our only responsibility would be hitting a button each morning. God would speak, and we’d know exactly what to pursue, and what paths to avoid. Better yet - if the system was small enough to throw into a purse, or attach to a belt loop, we could take it with us. There wouldn’t be any doubt as to following His plan and staying on the right track.

If only it were so easy . . .

What should we do when our job is terminated and the bills are behind? What do we do when a teenager continues to badly influence siblings and disrupt family life? Or our heart has been torn apart by someone we’ve unconditionally loved for years?

God can speak to our hearts through prayer. And His word, the Bible, is just as relevant today as it was thousands of years ago. Since the beginning of time, people have required shelter, food, and clothing. They’ve battled sickness, and they’ve lost their children to war. Their hearts have been broken. Their dreams have been crushed.

Experienced friends can provide wisdom. A gut feeling nudging us in one direction may be the prompting of the Holy Spirit. But we shouldn’t forget to seek the One who is all knowing and wants only the best for us.

The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. (Isaiah 58:11 NIV)

A few distractions may not cause us to stray from the path God has chosen for us. But, if we continue to allow more things to become between us and our relationship with Him, we can easily start to make poor choices. We may take a wrong turn because we’re no longer seeing clearly.

Psalm 25:4 says, “Show me your way, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long” (NIV).

God desires to provide the guidance you need today, and every day – no matter what the situation. You can trust that.

Dawn