GPS and Faith

I'm kind of a wreck when driving overseas. 

There's something about driving on the opposite side of the road, or driving without a single sign in English, or working a map that even under the best of circumstances doesn't include every road, village, round-about, or unexpected detour.  I oftentimes feel my anxiety levels increasing by the mile and wondering if it's perhaps true that I'm simply getting too old for all of this.

It occurred to me while renting a car in Krakow, Poland for a road trip this week that would include Poland and the Czech Republic that it might be a good idea to inquire if they had GPS units available for rent.  I was encouraged to learn they did and the nominal cost of 7 euros a day seemed reasonable.  When asked if I wanted it added to my bill, I nodded and said, "absolutely." 

Sue and I struck out for Malenvice in the Czech Republic.  In searching locations, we found it immediately and followed the instructions stop by stop, round-about by round-about, authoratatively driving through towns and cities and discovering that through it all we were calm, comfortable, and totally relaxed.   We continued our journey the next day to Czech's second largest city and didn't give a  thought to the fact that at any given time we hadn't the foggiest idea where we were.   The next day, Prague, one of the most beautiful cities in Europe and a city boasting some of the worst driving conditions in the country.  No problem.  We struck out without hesitation.

As we were driving down a freeway at somewhere near 140 kilometers an hour, Sue pointed out that our experience was analogous to walking by faith.   She reminded me that we had no idea where we were but we had absolute assurance that this little device on our windshield knew the way.   When we would miss a turn, no problem!   We simply waited to be re-routed.  

Oh, to live a life like that.   Paul spoke of his life somewhat reflectively in 2 Corinthians 5:7 sharing that he had learned to walk by faith and not by sight.  At one level, it seems so simple.  In the "faith walk" when we lose our way, we're simply redirected in the right direction.   When we seem to be lost, we look to the One who knows the way.   Simply walk and follow directions.  

I learned something this week.   Sometime my anxiety levels rise when I strike out on my own.  I think now I'll be reminded of the GPS and stop long enough to listen to the next directive.

Comments

[Wendy Clark]

Love the analogy Jerry! A great encouragement to me.