Following the GPS

While preparing the disciples for His death, Jesus tried to comfort them by telling them He had to go away but they knew the way to the place where He was going.  The Apostle Thomas said to Jesus, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?”  (John 14:1-7)

Do you ever feel like Thomas?  Lord, I don’t know which way to go.  Life gets so confusing.  There are decisions to make but no answer seems right or, even worse, no answer seems wrong.  It would be so much easier if someone would just tell me the way to go.

In my sales job, I frequently have to drive to unknown locations.  I pack the car with everything I need for the appointment and make sure the tank is full of gas.  I punch the address into my GPS and I take off following the woman’s voice blindly.  “Follow I-40 East for 56 miles,” she says.  I never check to see if she is taking me the right direction; I sit back and drive.  I listen to the radio, relaxing and enjoying the scenery.  Sometimes I even have a snack as I am driving down unfamiliar roads.  The voice directs, “Right turn in 1.2 miles.”  OK, no problem.  I am confident that she will take me to my destination because she always has before.  “You have reached your destination,” the pleasant woman’s voice says.  “Thank you,” I say.

Many times while studying the story of Moses leading the Israelites out of Egypt I have wondered why they didn't just follow God’s leading.  They could have made the trip to the Promised Land in about two weeks and saved themselves all that heartache.  It has occurred to me recently that I may be guilty of the same behavior.  I, too, get distracted by personal needs and wants.  I worry that things won’t turn out the way I want them to.  I am focused on busyness instead of listening for His voice.

Why can’t I be as confident that Jesus is leading me on the right path as I am of the soothing voice of the GPS?  My Lord is probably saying, “What is wrong with her?  She is wondering around just like those Israelites in the desert.  Doesn't she know that I know the way?  Hey, Wanda, relax.  Listen to my voice and I will get you to your destination.  You know I AM the Way.”