written by Leona Bergstrom, Director,
Re-Ignite
I am proud of my ability to find my way. I have always assumed I had a flawless internal compass that leads me to my desired destination. However, now that Siri lives inside my iPhone and gives dependable and accurate driving directions, I’ve concluded that historically I may have spent more time than necessary wandering around cul-de-sacs and city streets.
Occasionally I rebel and challenge the robotic sounding instructions and try my own way. That’s when I hear an unyielding mandate: “Proceed to the route.”
Proceed to the route. What route? Where is “the route?” What is this annoying woman inside my iPhone talking about? I don’t know what happened to “THE Route.”
That is when I have to click on “overview” and see the big picture–the map that shows my destination (red drop pin) and my current location (blue dot). I find the route I’m to proceed to. It is usually just a few feet away. Off I go, sure I will arrive where intended.
Recently our pastor preached about the confidence and delight we can have when we follow God’s plans for our lives. His final exhortation was simply to trust. Trust the God who knows the future and the plans he has for us. This is something I deeply desire to do, but I also relish in strategizing my future. So, from time to time, I veer off the route to follow my instincts and go my own way.
That is when I hear a familiar voice say, “Proceed to the route.”
“What route?” I cry out. Ah yes, the big picture. The overview. The Word of God. The big plan.
I hear familiar words:
Trust in the Lord with all of your heart. Lean not on your own understanding.
Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV
Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track. Don’t assume that you know it all.
Proverbs 3:5-6 The Message (MSG)
I recognize that voice. I cherish it. I trust it.
I proceed to the route.
(Reprinted from July 2014)
Photo courtesy of iStockphotos
Great word! The Holy Spirit is God’s Siri! We need to listen to the Holy Spirit if we are to find God’s Way. The Holy Spirit directs us in paths that resonate with our soul and our way of finding that path is sometimes by special abilities that God has only given to us. Those who have discovered great things were often doubted by their friends and peers. Let’s get back to God’s word and listening to the Holy Spirit.