Over the past few years, I have collected many maps. We’ve moved quite often, and maps have become one of my first purchases in a new town. Regardless of how many maps I have, however, I still find myself lost. I contribute getting lost to two factors. First, I sometimes do not understand the map.
Second, I sometimes depend on others in the car to lead me. After thinking about this map “theory,” I started applying it to my spiritual life and realized that I do the same thing with the map God has given me for my life: the Bible. Like any tourist, when I don’t understand the Bible, I sometimes give up reading it and continue in my state of despair. Other times, I depend on other people’s advice and wisdom to guide me through life not knowing exactly where I will end up.
That is not the way it should be! If I don’t understand the Word, then God tells me I should ask for wisdom and it will be granted to me (James 1: 5). I do not have to live in ignorance of the Word. God desires for me to grow and mature in it. Rather than get frustrated with the map God has provided for me, I need to patiently keep reading it until I can understand and follow it.
Then there are times when I do understand the map and rather than walk in the confidence of God’s Word, I choose to get the advice and opinion of others. Taking that route, however, can be scary because if I ask the wrong person for help, I may stay lost or find myself worse off than when I started! God’s Word is flawless, trustworthy, and true.
If I can’t depend on that alone, then I am in trouble. No matter where I am or what situation I may be facing, if I choose to seek out and trust God and His Word, I will never be lost for long. It may take a little longer to get to where I’m going, but I will end up exactly where I’m supposed to be when I’m supposed to be there.
Memory Verse:
“Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.”
– Psalm 119:105 (NIV)
Prayer Prompt:
“Lord, Your Word is the only map I need for my life. I know that there have been times when I have allowed confusion and the advice of others to direct my path. Forgive me and help me to be led by You and Your Word alone. Please direct my next steps along Your path…”
Contributing Writer:
Liana George
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