The Twists and Turns of Life

​One of the inventions I’m most thankful for is GPS. Being directionally challenged, driving to new or unfamiliar places can cause me to feel a little anxious....even with a GPS.
 
I still remember how excited I was years ago when I got my first navigation system for my car – a TomTom. Even though I heard the word “recalculating” a lot (when I missed a turn), I felt a sense of security knowing that this little device decreased the likelihood of me getting completely lost.
 
Now, instead of a TomTom, I typically use the navigation system built into my car, Google Maps, or Waze. Recently, I was in an unfamiliar area and was about to leave to go home. It was dark out, and I was in the middle of the country. I clicked “Go Home” on my GPS and started to follow the soothing voice that was giving me directions. 

I soon realized I had no idea where I was. I thought after a few quick turns I would be on the interstate. Instead, my GPS took me on a 15-minute drive along some of the curviest country roads I’ve ever seen. And the whole time I could see headlights in my rearview mirror of a truck that was tailgating me. 
 
As I was navigating the multiple hairpin turns, I kept asking, “Why would my GPS take me this way? Isn’t there an easier, more direct way home?” And every time I asked that question, I sensed, “Trust the GPS.”
 
Thankfully, I got home safely. I still don’t understand why my GPS took me that way. It didn’t make sense to me, but in the end, I made it to my destination.
 
And once I got home, I sensed that God wanted to use this experience to remind me:
 
Even when unexpected twists and turns happen in my life, I can trust God to help me navigate them. Nothing catches Him by surprise.
 
"It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” Deuteronomy 31:8
 
Even when the road doesn’t make sense to me, I can trust that God knows what is best. He created the road, and He has allowed me to travel it for a reason. 
 
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:8-9
 
Even when I feel lost, I can trust that God still sees me.

"The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore." Psalm 121:8 
 
When life takes you down an unexpected road, don’t just trust your GPS. Trust God. His voice will always lead you in the right direction.