>How many of you love your GPS? Isn’t great to know where you are at all times, where you are going, the path to get there and exactly how long it is going to take? I believe that we often think that life is sort of like GPS.
Most of us believe that we have life under control, all mapped out. We take comfort in things that we believe give us security…our career, finances, marriage, and so on. Most of us also have a pretty clear idea of where we are going, what things we want to accomplish, the goals we have in life. And some of us even have a plan on how we are going to accomplish those things and when they will be achieved, but what happens when life comes apart? You loose your job unexpectedly, your retirement account gets wiped out, or the divorce papers arrive in the mail.
Here is the thing about structuring our life like GPS. We live in a broken world and we are broken people. Difficult times are going to come. The other side of this is a life that is on cruise control. It could be possible that we are living a life that is just way too small, not ever realizing the adventure that God has for you that only you can do. You see if you already know where you are, where you are going, the path to take and how long it is going to take then where does God fit in?
The thing that I am learning to appreciate and embrace in my life are the times of road construction, detours and getting lost. These used to freak me out, make me angry and cause me to make bad decisions. My relationship with Jesus has realigned my perspective and response to change. It is so clear that these are the times that God develops me exponentially. Below are some insights that I have gained along that way that I hope will be helpful to you no matter where in life you are.
Road Construction
Sometimes the direction of our life just needs to be torn up and repaved. When we get stuck in ruts, it is time to fix the ruts. When we keep hitting the same pothole, it is time to remove the pothole. And when we want to go a new direction, sometimes we have to abandon the old road and make a new highway. The beautiful thing about this is through a relationship with Jesus we don’t have to do this alone. He is there with us helping draw up the plans, fund the renovations, supervise the job and cheer you on along the way.
Detours
I have found that even when we are walking completely in the path that God has destined for us there are times when he needs to take us on detours. For me, this is a way for him to disorientate me in order to re-orientate me back in him fully. I found that if I travel too long without detours, that I start to believe that is all about me and my abilities versus God working through me. It is in the detours when I find out new truths about how God designed me and most importantly about how to draw closer to my creator.
Getting Lost
You know you’re really not lost if you don’t know where you are going. There are times when I believe God allows me to be lost. These are the times when I just may not be feeling his presence. That certainly doesn’t mean he isn’t there. The best advice that I have learned for when I feel lost is that if you don’t feel it, faith it. Dive into reading the Bible and you will hear his voice and direction. The times of feeling lost only draw me closer and closer to God, helping me to embrace my true and complete dependence in him.
The most important belief that I have as it relates to changes in your life is to enjoy the journey no matter if you are under construction, in a detour or feel lost. Drink deeply in what you are learning, how God is using you and the simple pleasures in life that God wants you to experience and appreciate!
John C. Bain 