Stepping Stones: What Do You Use For Your GPS?

Transformational Thought

Our GPS is so awesome. We just got back from our annual family vacation down south, a road trip to the beach with several stops on the way. No maps, no pulling over to figure out where we were, no arguments with my wife about whether or not we were lost, no nagging from the kids that they were sick of my “shortcuts”! We just kept plugging addresses in to the GPS and we always got to the right spot.

Even though the GPS was always right, and very easy to use after a while, it wasn’t so easy in the beginning. My biggest obstacle was that it took me a while to really trust it … especially when a different route looked quicker. But I humbled myself, decided I didn’t have to be the one in control, and accepted directions from our sweet-talking GPS.

You see, sometimes the path for our life is fuzzy. We don’t know which direction to go or what step to take next. But God, who is our guiding Lighthouse and personalized GPS, promises to always guide us, his children. Remember the 3 wise men? God took them right to the spot and then back home away from trouble. For you, just plug in the destination – Mind of Christ – then humble yourself to His directions! Stop trying to take short cuts that just get you more lost.

The first and most important step is to admit you have lost your way and need an expert, all-knowing guide. Even when we drift just slightly from following His lead, we are at great risk. Going your way and even veering off course a just a few degrees will quickly take you far from your destination and your Lord.

Today, look for that guiding star in your life. Stop while contemplating a couple decisions today. Before you execute them, ask yourself one question, “Whose GPS am I using, God’s or mine?”. Look at your motivations in the decision at hand and consider whether your action is consistent with God’s instruction, character, and promises. Thinking before acting never hurts. Be willing to follow wherever He leads you. He is the light from on high that will guide you, step by step into the way of peace. As always, Your decision – God’s GPS or yours? Choose well.

Prayer
Dear Father, Today I feel confused. At times I don’t know which way to go. I confess, Lord, that I swerve off course in my own wrong direction. I desire with all my heart to walk Your way … the way of peace. My life is one storm after another. Please, Father, shine Your light on me. I need Your light; I live in a cold, dark world. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit so that Your Word enlightens my mind and heart. Let it empower me to stay on the right path. I have an open, seeking heart, Lord. Help me trust your GPS for my life and not be so tempted with flashy looking dead-ends. I pray in the name of the one who walked the perfect path, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!

The Truth
Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
John 14:6

because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.
Luke 1:78-79

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.
Psalm 119:105

"Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him." After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.
Matthew 2:2,9-10