My Way on the Highway
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him and he shall direct thy paths. – Proverbs 3:5-6
One of my biggest thrills these days is when I can defy my car’s GPS system voice (aka “the lady in the box”) and still get to my desired location. There is just something exhilarating about hearing the voice confidently proclaim “In 500 feet, turn left, then right” and then replying out loud with a smirk to the voice which cannot hear, “I don’t think so.” I like being right and I love watching the GPS recalculate the route to comply with my commands. It provides me great joy to see that the new calculated route displays a quicker arrival time too. I smile with a sense of pride when I find that I can direct my own path and still hear those wonderful words “You have arrived”. What a feeling!
Unfortunately, sometimes I think we treat God’s direction for our lives like we treat the “lady in the box”. We listen to what He says but when it comes time to implement His plan, His way, we replace His map with our own because after all, we know a better way. The truth is, however, that while we can sometimes outsmart a satellite navigational system, we can’t outsmart God. His maps do not get outdated and His traffic information is always perfect. Even though we don’t always understand His ways, we can trust that He knows best for our lives.
Learning to trust God completely and surrendering our desire to control our own destiny takes a conscience effort, but it can be done. Every time we see God “calculate” a new route in the display of our lives, we can trust that He has good reason for it. God is not just a”lady” in the box, He is Lord over all the earth. He deserves our attention. How will you give it to Him today?
For further thought…
- What area of my life needs to be completely surrendered to God?
- How am I directing my steps versus allowing God to guide me?
- What can I give up so that God can give me more?
Blessings to you dear.
As an owner of a GPS myself, I can relate well to your post today.
Thank you for this great analogy. I love how He leaves the ninety and nine when we stray off the path….. Love your blog. It’s a treasure.
Good thoughts, Janna. Much to think about.
Aman Sister, I have often thrown God’s road map a side and went off on my own path…and we all know where I ended up, No Where Good. I am glad God is always there to rescue me from my stupid mistakes. Thank you for this devotion.
Great analogy, I need that today, thanks for sharing.
God Bless
Deb
OK…maybe I’m the only one who drives a car without a GPS, but I think it might annoy me. Indeed, I do have a hard time listening to directions from others. It’s been a life-long lesson, and quite frankly, I’m weary with my “own doing.” One of the pleasures of growing old with Chrirst, is learning the joy of obedience and submission. You’re right…it does take effort…a mind constantly fixed and trained on God and the voice of his Spirit. Now, if I could box that and stick it on my dashboard…I’d have something!
peace~elaine
Beautifully written Janna – and so very true. I find it so difficult to fully give up control (which in reality I don’t have anyway.).
Janna,
Girl, This is goooood!
You know question number three shouted at me. I need to pray that one through. Thank you!!
WHY do I not always GO HIS way????
Do I not really trust Him??
Haven’t I experienced enough to know HE really has a Plan and it is for my good??
I want the FREEDOM of 100% knowing and doing HIS WILL!!!
Oh my – your devotion just hit me like a 2×4 (is that the right wording 😳 ). You are right, Janna – we think sometimes that we have all the answers, but we don’t.
Thank you for sharing your thought with us – something I really need to mull over in my head…
So true, so true…thanks for the reminder =)
Lovely post Janna, just the food for thought I need today.