Thought started by Allan Martin

I’m the type of guy, who likes to know where he’s going. I get all jazzed when mapquest or google maps give me every single turn and distance, getting me from here to there. I like having a clear sense of direction and knowing what to expect. Give me the big picture and then I’ll sign on. I like having the answers before the quiz. I like to know what’s up ahead.

So you can probably predict that I don’t like being lost, I’m not big on suspense, and I’m not much for asking for directions. An example of this would be my complete frustration and exasperation with the show LOST, with it’s characteristic lack of coherent direction, absence of closure, and the endless questions that no one seems to mind are left unanswered. Flusters me to no end!

When Experiencing GOD asked the question "When you come to the Lord Jesus to seek His will for your life..." Clearly my response was that I typically want the Who-What-When-Where-How-How Much- Why all spelled out in detail, along with what the outcome will be. Doesn’t everyone?

In John 14:6, Jesus says, "I am the way, the truth, and the life" and Experiencing GOD suggests that means that Jesus is my "Map." And the way Jesus give me direction requires me to follow Him one day at a time.

Clearly the amount of trust that requires is challenging. Am I ready to trust GOD enough to relinquish navigating my own life? Especially when I feel lost, am I willing to trust that GOD knows where He’s going? Am I willing to turn over my control and let Jesus be my Way, relinquishing any other road map for my life?

Blackaby talks about driving with a farmer to the farmer’s home, "Because there was more than one way to get to his house, he (the farmer) could have taken me any way he wanted to. You see he was my map. What did I have to do? I simply had to listen to him and do what he said. . . He took me a way I had never been and could not have discovered on my own. I could never retrace that route by myself. The farmer was my map; he knew the way."

Today I am challenged with this statement:

Jesus is my Way. I don’t need any other road map.

From ignitionblog.wordpress.com

What comes to my mind is that cliche bumper sticker God is my co-pilot. Often times I just look at that and think that I’d rather have God in the driver’s seat.

I don’t think God works like that, though. I think Jesus gave us a pretty clear map, and it’s us, you and me, that must choose to follow it. It’s not God being my chauffeur, it’s my choosing to go to Him. That’s the essence of the whole relationship.

That’s why I think Jesus always puts a lot of emphasis on choosing to follow Him. Think of the rich young ruler. Jesus gave Him precise instructions (much like a GPS navigation system) but it was up to the man whether or not to follow the directions.

I think that’s the challenge for me in my life. I need to stop asking God to take over, to take control, and instead start listening to Him when He’s telling me where I need to go.

Todd, I like where you are going! I’ll just be a passenger in your car/plane and let you and GOD decide who is going to be behind the wheel. ;D

I completely agree with you and sense that is where Blackaby is trying to guide us -- To deepen our listening ear to GOD’s voice and our dexterity to follow His prompting.

What do you do to better attune your heart to His will? What are your methods to sense His directions? His will?