Throw Out the Map.
Now, don't get me wrong, maps can be good, even great resources, but only if they're used in the right way. Or by somebody who actually knows how to read a map. But we need a compass to tell us we're headed in the right direction. To point and tell us this is the way, walk in it.
This weekend marks the anniversary of our being lost- or more importantly- found. The thought of it all still makes me smile. The memories, the details, my Creator's goodness, great friends, the thought of, Did that REALLY happen? Who actually has these kinda stories? And is it coincidence that this week I've been reading a book filled with good thoughts of finding direction, surrendering the map- our plans, our direction of where our life is headed- and following the Compass wherever it leads, pointing us to true north. Mmm, no. Probably not coincidence because I've got a God who loves to use His sense of humor to teach me the things my heart needs to hear, the things my life needs to reflect, and to show me once again that His ways are always better. Always better. And I would still be lost without Him.
Sure, if you're given directions, you can go most anywhere, there in lies the problem. Do you have the right destination? They could even be "good" directions. The good is often the enemy of the best. I know that when using a compass and trying to take a bearing (basically an angle) to head in, even just a couple degrees can get you way off of your target. Claude Hickman in his book Live Life on Purpose says,"Once we understand the course that God's heart is set on, we don't have to worry about or ability. We have within us incredible potential for God's kingdom. There are many people climbing the ladder of success and achieving great goals, but the ladder is against the wrong wall." Will we redirect our lives to align with His? Sometimes I need to realign my life fairly often. I need to throw out the map and all the routes that I've set up for myself. And continue to look to Him as my north star. It's easy to get pulled off course and follow the wrong path. But I don't want what's good, I want what's best. Sometimes that's going to be real frustrating. Sometimes all we have is a direction, not directions, but continue to pursue; He won't lead us astray.
"One reason we cling to our maps is the map is secure. To trust the compass is to navigate the unknown. There is much of God's purpose that remains undone because of Christians who are clinging to old maps. For this journey, we must be willing to set down our maps and allow God the permission to give us a new one. We may have a great map, but if it's the wrong destination, we lose in the end."
I will remember the works of the Lord; surely I will remember Your wonders of old. I also will meditate on all Your work, and talk of Your deeds.
ReplyDeletePsalm 77:11-12
Then our mouth was filled with laughter And our tongue with joyful shouting; Then they said among the nations, "The LORD has done great things for them."
ReplyDelete-Psalm 126:2 (: