My Dear Friend John Skelly Responded to Last Fridays Post with An Even Better Concept
Photo by Derek Thomson via Unsplash
John wrote, “Just was inspired by your blog. love your take on how God is leading you and am challenged to let God lead me in the same ways. I am glad I have a Guide... it's even better than a compass...”
I was blown away. John has regularly given such clear pictures of the character of God, both in his life and also in his words. I wrote John back and asked him for more. He’s graciously allowing me to post his thoughts here:
I am pondering direction. I am of a generation that learned to fold maps correctly. Rand McNally was a friend on all trips. Still for all the study of routes and alternatives, the memorization of all the United States capitols, I remain directionally challenged. The compass held great promise. The problem is that I am convinced that whatever direction I am facing is north. That is challenging. And that is why if my wife and I ever participate on The Amazing Race she will handle the maps, I will accept the directions.
I think that is why I despise GPS too. It is pushy. It barks directions at me. It demands that I do what it tells me to do. My wife on the other hand is much gentler and allows me a U turn or two.
No compass? No GPS? So how do I get to where I am going? I need a guide.I prefer someone who has been there before and knows the way.
Jesus had a direction discussion with his friends in John 14. They were worried about direction too. Apparently, they didn’t know where they were headed. Thomas just blurted out, “How can we know the way?” Jesus tells them, “I am the way. The Truth, and the Life”( John 14:6)
Jesus doesn’t give maps or bark out instructions. He gives us Himself. Jesus is our guide. He is the Way. We can trust and follow him.
When my path is obscured, no compass, map or GPS will get me to where I am going.
It reminds me of the poem: The Gate of the Year: It resonates with me regarding direction and the unknown:
And I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year: “
Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown.”
And he replied:
“Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the Hand of God.
That shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way.”
The hand of God. Better than a compass. Better than a GPS.