Yesterday I was travelling into the city to an appointment in a location I don’t usually drive to. It was pouring with rain, the roads were congested with traffic, there was an accident up ahead and to top it off a collection of road works on the freeway. As a result my GPS was redirecting me to take an alternative route I was unfamiliar with.
On assessing the situation, whilst listening to my GPS adamantly telling me to exit immediately up ahead, I was left with a decision; trust my navigation system which was specifically designed to get me to my destination by the quickest route? Or listen to and go with my fear of getting lost which would cause me to choose to stay with the route I knew which would be less risky, but leave me stuck in traffic and late for my appointment.
As I pondered this decision I felt God speak to me and say, “I’m like your GPS. I am the good shepherd, I lead and guide you from a heavenly perspective, where I see the whole picture and have mapped out the best and most efficient and beneficial route for you to take. It may look and feel like you are going off route, into unfamiliar territory or around the long way at times but I am taking you the best way for you. Will you trust me to do that?”
I love how God often puts a finger on something in our spiritual and inner life to challenge and check our thinking and heart attitudes. He constantly encourages us to grow and develop our faith, listening skills and obedience to His directives and voice. He then also gives us an opportunity to put into practice what He has taught or revealed to us.
“Take the next exit,” my GPS directed again. “Hmm”. A decision, “do I trust my navigation system and Gods gentle promptings that He is the ultimate navigator, or do I lean on my own understanding and give into my doubt?
Fortunately for me and my need to get to my appointment I chose to trust my heavenly navigator and the technology he’d given me and took the next exit. In doing so I avoided an accident, road works and a very congested section of the freeway. Plus something interesting happened as I was driving along in the pouring rain. All of a sudden I saw into the heavenly realm and clearly saw an angel sitting on my car bonnet. He was having a grand old time laughing at the rain pouring down around him, and every now and then he’d turn around and look at me, then smile and motion with his hand that the way was clear ahead and not to worry, he’d get me there on time. As a result of the comical scene on my bonnet I forgot my concern about which route I was taking, the rain, or that I couldn’t see that well though the rain and ended up laughing along with the antics of the angel on my bonnet.
The thing is, God is always watching out for us and He sends His angels to travel with us throughout our day. Sadly however a lot of the time most of us are so busy doing our own thing that we aren’t even aware of the heavenly realm that surrounds and interacts with us every day. But that doesn’t mean this realm doesn’t exist or that God isn’t moving and working things out for our good and on our behalf.
Today I wanted to encourage you not to simply lean on your own understanding. God is a great navigator and He knows the best way to get you to where you need to be. All He asks is that you trust Him to lead you, even if that looks like you are heading on an unknown route, you don’t understand or feel doubtful. He’s got you! Plus He and all of heaven loves to have fun with us along the way – just ask the angel on my bonnet!
“Trust in the Lord completely, and do not rely on your own opinions. With all your heart rely on him to guide you, and he will lead you in every decision you make. Become intimate with him in whatever you do, and he will lead you wherever you go.” (Proverbs 3:5-6 TPT)
“For he will give his Angel’s charge over you to keep you in all your ways.” (Psalm 91:11)
Prayer: Lord thank you that you are consistently there to lead and guide me and that your angel’s are at the ready to assist us. Please help me to trust you more, and to have fun with you as I do. In Jesus name Amen.
Comments