Trusting God’s GPS for My Path…

Last week we were blessed to join our friends Ed and Judy Underwood in Southern California. On Monday morning we left bright and early for breakfast at Crystal Cove Beach. The navigation app directed driver Ed to take a different course from the norm. We debated briefly and then decided to follow the GPS directions.

“Probably a traffic accident on the normal route,” I offered. “The satellites have access to the big picture and we don’t.” Almost immediately it hit me that I am willing to trust a satellite navigation system but I often question if God’s direction is best for me.

When God asks me through His Word to take a path that is counter-intuitive to my normal path my first instinct is to question the course. For example, if someone criticizes me unfairly the normal road taken is to defend myself and fight back. God’s navigation system suggests a very different road.

 “But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you...”   (Luke 6, NLT)

I may have considered taking the high road off ramp briefly but that is asking a lot of me!

Do good to those who hate me?
Bless those who curse me?
Pray for those who hurt me?

Why would God’s faith journey directions suggest such an unusual path? When the soothing voice of my smartphone navigation app suggests a better course I routinely go there. But when the quiet voice of the Holy Spirit suggests a radical course I ask why. Even though I know that my Father knows what is best for me and that followers of Jesus should never be content to take the low road.

“If you love only those who love you, why should you get credit for that? Even sinners love those who love them! And if you do good only to those who do good to you, why should you get credit? Even sinners do that much!  And if you lend money only to those who can repay you, why should you get credit? Even sinners will lend to other sinners for a full return. (Luke 6:32-34, NLT)

When my navigation app recommends a course correction it is because that is the best way to get to my destination. When God’s Word suggests a different course it is for the same reason. Changing my course is the best way to get to my ultimate destination of becoming more like Jesus. Forgiving, blessing and praying for those who oppose me takes the power away from them to hurt me and gives the power to God to heal me. Revenge may feel good for a moment but long term emotional, physical and spiritual health are improved dramatically by taking that high road exit.

It takes a lot of faith and trust to take that exit. But God’s directions are always better than my own instincts. I would do well to trust His Word to direct my path.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart;
    do not depend on your own understanding.
Seek his will in all you do,
    and he will show you which path to take.  (Proverbs 3, NLT)

It is easy to take the low road. God’s GPS suggests the more difficult but far better road to take. I just need to listen to that quiet voice of direction and be willing.