Are We There Yet?
Navigating the Unfamiliar
A few weeks ago, I missed my exit while driving home from downtown Charlotte during rush hour traffic. My GPS rerouted me immediately, guiding me off the highway, directing me through side streets and unfamiliar areas. As someone who gets lost easily, the detour initially frustrated me. I was beyond over the endless traffic lights and one-lane windy roads. I wanted to get back to my familiar surroundings, and I figured the highway was the fastest option. To my surprise, the detour brought me home quicker than I anticipated. As I pulled into my driveway, I was reminded that the GPS is designed to get me to my destination via the best route. Taking the streets on that particular day worked in my favor. I just had to trust the voice leading me.
Right On Time
We’ve all missed the mark at some point in life. Maybe you woke up today wondering how you ended up in a particular place. Your rest stop turned into an extended stay. A place you never meant to dwell or call home. If you’re struggling with regret or feeling down about life because you’ve gotten off track, don’t beat yourself up. It’s not too late to change direction.
In His graciousness, God can redirect our steps even when we are responsible for the delay or we lose focus and drop the ball. His navigation may look completely different from your vision. A path you never imagined for yourself. Something new. God doesn’t always guide us through familiar places. But He gently leads us along a path He has ordained specifically for us. Sometimes, the path doesn’t make sense, and it seems like we are plodding along at a snail pace. The circuitous route seems daunting. Rocky. Bumpy. Ridden with twists and turns. It’s challenging when we can’t see what lies ahead or around the corner. The angst festers and grows. We become restless. Frustrated. Discouraged. We want to know the estimated time of arrival and turn-by-turn navigation in advance, but we’re only privy to one step at a time. A glimpse of the road map until the picture comes into full view.
Today’s Reminder: God is in control, no matter the journey, rocky terrain, or distance ahead. We don’t always see the road blocks or dangers lurking in the shadows, but nothing escapes His watchful gaze. He protects and watches over us during the journey. He sees all things, and He always does what is right in His eyes. Sometimes, that looks like steering us through unfamiliar territory or a detour and moving us out of our comfort zone, so we rely on Him instead of our own limited knowledge and strength. We won’t always understand His instructions or directions in real-time, but there is peace in knowing He will always guide us safely to our destination and we will arrive at our appointed time.
Prayer:
Lord,
As we enter into the New Year, help us to follow Your leading and listen to Your voice above all. Instead of leaning on our own understanding, let us remember to trust You with all of our heart and submit all of our ways to you, fully believing that You will go before us and make every crooked path straight. Help us release regret and shame for past decisions and choices, so we can look to the future with hope and in expectation that greater days are ahead. Thank you for reordering our steps and redirecting us—even when we don’t understand what You are doing or see the full picture. Thank you for protecting us from all seen and unseen dangers throughout our journey and navigating us to our destinations with Your unfailing compassion, grace and love.
In Jesus name.
Amen.
“For this God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end.” Psalms 48:14