Stepping Stones: At A Detour, Who Is Your Navigator?

Transformational Thought

We have been hit with a lot of rain the last couple of months, and especially, by Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee. Because of the flooding and downed trees, many were without power and a number of roads were out, especially around creeks and small bridges. So I have run into so many ‘road closed’ signs and ‘rerouting’ messages from my GPS.

As my daughter drives around, she isn’t used to being diverted from her planned course and then trying to find alternative routes. These ‘lesser’ routes seem to be such a nuisance and give her great uncertainty whether she will find and achieve her desired destination. She starts to get anxious and frustrated with each new wrinkle to her original plan and agenda.

As an engineer, God gave me an ability to visualize space and shapes and I am great with finding places and directions. It actually is a cool game when detours hit. As my daughter rides with me, she is completely relaxed. Due to her confident assuredness of getting to our destination, because of her faith in my ability to see the big picture map and ability to easily get us there, she is able to continue in gleeful teenage conversation with me as if this is the way it was supposed to be and nothing wrong had ever happened.

How do you respond when life gives you a twist and your plan is interrupted? Do you react with a nervous and frightened, agitated and frustrated, or angry and overwhelmed demeanor and attitude? Or do you have a confident assurance that the map, the course for your journey, has been laid out by the Master of the Universe?

How would you live if you believed, really believed, that your future is perfectly planned out and your final destination secured? Think of the freedom this knowledge and belief would provide. Think about how you would live and feel if you truly believed that no power, no detour, could take away the promise of your inheritance in heaven. How would you travel through life if you knew you had the ultimate navigator and navigation system showing you where to go everyday? You do in God and the Bible.

You see, Satan wants you to think you know exactly what you need, that you can predict the future, and you can figure out the perfect strategy to transform your own mind and life. Or he gets you to realize you don’t have the answers, but the world has everything you need, so you end up letting our crazy culture and word system guide you.

Today, instead of approaching the day uncertain of your destination and whether you will make it or not, know He has real answers for each fork in your road. When something unplanned by you happens, know God put it there on purpose for your growth and to help you in some way. Put on lenses and an attitude to accept that detour and make the most of it. This is easier said than done – a deep level of trust is required. A trust that is based on knowledge that His way is the perfect way. When you are at a fork in the road today, pray, then choose His way, and go with it. You will be surprised at the peace and satisfaction you will have by taking His detours from the world’s destructive route we are often on. Your decision, choose well.

Prayer
Dear Father God, You are so amazing. I commit myself to You, Father. I am Yours for all time, beyond time…into eternity. I know now that no power can deny me my inheritance in heaven. I know You want me to feel secure. I know, Father, that even when I falter as I journey through life that You will never let go of my hand. Help me to stay on Your course in this lifetime. I know You have awesome opportunities for me to see and experience along my way to Christ-likeness. I pray in the name of the grandest gift, Christ Jesus; and all God’s children say – AMEN!

The Truth
The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, And He delights in his way.
Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; For the LORD upholds him with His hand.
Psalm 37:23-24

As for God, His way is perfect; The word of the LORD is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him.
Psalm 18:30

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Romans 12:2