GPS Theology

The Lord directs our steps, so why try to understand everything along the way?
Proverbs 20:24

We've been navigating with GPS for several years now. We have a USB device that plugs into the computer, so we get this nice big readout on the laptop. I have to admit, GPS was an adjustment for me. I'm really more of a map-girl. I want to see the whole country in print right there in front of me. When I can put the journey into perspective from the USA view, then I can turn to the state, pick out the right roads, and see it all right there. I was really good with that navigation method. So when Jeff started talking about GPS, I really was not in favor of it. It seemed a silly waste of technology to me. But we got it anyway and started using it. Those first few trips with GPS got a little "hairy" to put it nicely. The computer didn't bother to ask if we were travelling in a compact car or in a bus, so we found ourselves in some interesting predicaments...

For example... GPS didn't tell us that a "parkway" is for passenger cars only, and may have some really low clearance bridges to go under... Straight up the mountain and down the other side may be the shortest route, but not necessarily the best in a bus... Cutting through a residential area may be quicker, but not everyone wants their trees trimmed by a large vehicle passing through... You get the idea!

So I had to learn to tell the GPS which roads to take in order to save wear and tear on the vehicle and my nerves. And while I find it nice that the GPS keeps track of how many more miles we have left to travel to any given destination (much easier than counting up miles from a map), I have found that you have to treat it like a small child - give it very specific instructions and then watch it closely to be sure it doesn't get off track!

So now my husband is wanting to switch over to one of those little pocket models that sits right up at the windshield and just gives you one turn at a time. In theory, it's a great idea - it would let me use the computer to get some work done while we're riding down the road. But I'm just not that crazy about the idea. I like being able to see the bigger picture. I check and recheck the GPS a couple of dozen times an hour to be sure we're staying on course. I just don't really trust it.

So I've always really wished that God would just give me a road atlas for life... one where I can check out the big picture, and then turn to the "state map" for a little clearer direction , and to the "city map" for details of how I'm going to get from Point A to Point B in life. I want to see the turns in advance so I can be ready for what lies ahead.

But God, in His infinite wisdom, has not given me a road atlas, but a turn-by-turn GPS for life. Fortunately, He DOES know what kind of "vehicle" I'm travelling in. In my heart I know He's totally trustworthy. He's not going to ever lead me down a wrong path, or take me under a bridge that's too low. If I will just sit back and trust His direction, I'll reach the right destination at the right time.

I've got to admit, it's hard for me sometimes. I really want to zoom out and get a better look at the big picture - check up on things and make sure I like the path I'm going down. But God says, "Trust Me. You don't have to understand everything on the way. I'll get you where you need to be - safe and sound."

...Just a thought...