Following the Map

I always find it interesting to seek out a destination on Google Maps. Typically, this app will give two to three routes, with one being the shortest and most direct and the others often quite out of the way.

It makes me wonder why the map program shows so many paths to the same destination. Why not just direct us to the most productive and efficient route?

Recently, though, the map’s other possibilities opened up an opportunity. When my husband works away, he typically follows the same route home. This particular day he wasn’t coming directly back to our community, but headed to our son and his family’s place to go on a hunting trip.

The night before he was to leave from his work site, my husband and I were talking on the phone and checking Google Maps for the best route to get to our son’s place. As per usual, the map app showed multiple routes. There was the shortest route but also a route that went through the community where I teach. This second route was longer but did eventually lead to the same outcome.

My husband had a lot of driving to do that day, but what route did he choose? The longer one that allowed him to meet me for lunch. It was a great gift as it was an upsetting day with a teacher’s strike looming. I was upset about losing time with my students and losing my income and the thought of bearing all those feelings at home alone was daunting. My husband, knowing me, took the longer path to offer his support and encouragement in person, even though briefly.

There have been many times when I have been seeking direction for my life but there seems to be multiple paths before me, like in Google Maps. My instinct is to take the fastest, most expedient route to the destination. But God doesn’t always see it that way. There have been many times when He has taken me on the longer route to get somewhere – for His purpose.

When we get frustrated about where God is taking us, it helps to remember these words in Isaiah:

“I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.” (Isaiah 48:17 NIV)

Does God direct us by giving us a full road map where we can see every twist and turn? No. We do know our final destination point of heaven, but our route is constantly in flux as our loving Heavenly Father directs and redirects.

Many times, I have thought my life journey should be taking one direction, but God has other things in mind for me. I have to remember these words from Isaiah, that God has my best interests in mind. He won’t leave me without directions.

Often, on these undetermined paths, I have had the most meaningful life experiences. Like my husband taking a detour to spend time with me, often my Heavenly Father has directed me to take the longer way to reach out to others in need. Yes, I could have made faster time taking the route I wanted, but God has had other plans for me.

It helps to remember the words of Solomon:

“In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.” (Proverbs 16:9 NIV)

When we struggle with direction our optimal guide is God who knows the best way to take on our life journey. Sometimes those side trips He takes us on are significantly more meaningful than reaching our destination in an expedient fashion.

As we navigate life’s roads, we need to prayerfully consider what purpose God has for taking us a particular direction. Sometimes we won’t truly see the benefits until we look back many years later.

We have a choice to make – be stubborn and willful and try to direct our own paths, or take comfort in our loving Heavenly Father who already has the best way planned out for us if we are willing to listen to His direction.

We might face detours or road blocks along our journey. The best way to handle that is to ask God what purpose He has in the moment. His answer might truly surprise you.

It would be lovely if planning life was as easy as plotting a course on a map app. Yet, often the surprises life brings can be very meaningful to us and to those whose lives we touch as God’s instruments.

We can choose to be upset about some of the road changes God gives us or we can look at them as opportunities. Which will it be for you?

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