Why Can’t We Trust God Like We Trust a Map?

I learned recently that I was a Thing of Wonder to my sons when they were little. (They’ve long since changed their opinion.) My oldest son recently told me, “When I was little and we’d take those long car trips, I was amazed that you knew right where to go.”

Thank you, Rand McNally, for making me look like a genius.

Before the days of GPS, I studied the map. I mean, I studied the map. I knew what to look for. I knew where to turn. I trusted the map, and I followed it. I’ve long since buried my maps in a box with VHS tapes and platform shoes, but I still trust GPS to get me over the river and through the woods to grandmother’s house.

Let me change directions and talk about faith for a moment. I’ll come back to maps in a moment.

Faith is one of the most misused words in the church, (So is the phrase “In conclusion” in many sermons.)

  • Faith is not grounded in what I think will happen.
  • Faith is not what I hope will happen.
  • Faith is completely grounded in who God is and what He has said.

Consider the truthfulness and power of God.

  • “He who is the Glory of Israel does not lie or change his mind; for he is not a human being, that he should change his mind” (1 Sam. 15:29).
  • “For no word from God will ever fail” (Luke 1:37).

When God says something, He will see it through. And He has the power to see it through. Faith, then, is placing my full confidence in God so that, when He says something, I can act on it without wavering.

Why do we trust maps and GPS? Someone has gone before us and knows the way. Follow my directions; I’ve been there. The eternal God will never take us someplace He has not been. When God says, “Turn here,” we turn, because He knows what He’s talking about.

When we read Hebrews 11 and see the men and women who did something “by faith,” they’re actions were always based on something God said. They didn’t act and then expect God to bless their actions; they only acted when God spoke and gave instruction.

Listen to God’s Word. Trust what He has said—and act on it. After all, He’s taking you down a road He knows well.

For a printable version: click here.

This Screen-Shot-2013-06-24-at-1.41.38-PM (1)post supports the study “Victorious Faith” in Bible Studies for Life.

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