Christian Living

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Many times, in this day of advanced technology, I have relied on a GPS mapping device to guide me to various destinations. Almost always, I trust the device, the technology, the guidance... almost always. But, I am also an intelligent being and regularly 'questioning authority' in my life. No, not a rebellious spirit, not a contrary attitude, not defiantly challenging things so-as to feel as though I am maintaining my independence... rather, I am merely assessing the directions given to me and double-checking my senses to be sure of that which I follow. Many, MANY times I have been able to direct others along similar paths that I have traversed (shortcuts, safer and more efficient routes). These are tangible paths in life though, and things of the spirit are not quite as simple.

Well, that's what the world and the evil side of life would have you believe. There IS evidence that your faith is on God's path, and like our GPS technology, you have to not only trust it, but follow it, too. See, Isaiah 58:11 tells us; "And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.", which is actually a boat-load of information. But revisit just the first part of that passage; "And the Lord shall guide thee continually...", which has no 'as long as you' conditions, no 'when the stars are aligned' premise, nor even 'when you live a good life' spin to it. That statement stands on it's own, as 'He will guide you continually'... regardless.

The catch?
Yea, you knew there had to be one. The catch is; you have to follow His guiding! Seems simple in a sentence, but please, please, please... think about this; the core part of your life in the Lord is this very premise; follow His continual guidance! Now, go back and re-read the rest of that passage, and notice that in that one sentence, it quickly switches to "...satisfy thy soul in drought". Way too often, we seem to need to 'check our senses', 'get a second opinion', and like that quirky GPS system, we tend to confirm the path we are on, where we are going, the route on which we're being led... and if/when we are not visually/tangibly satisfied, we all too quickly 'take over' and try finding our own way, using other resources, even completely ignoring the 'higher guidance' we have at our disposal.

Now, re-read the tail-end of that passage and notice that though it informs you that your experiencing a drought in your soul, He makes your life 'like a watered garden', a never ending spring of Living Water, actually. Another place in Isaiah 40:11 reminds us; "He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.", which is His promise to us... not only will He guide us, even though it may be through, desert, drought, and utter calamity... He will guide us, feed us, and carry us in His bosom. Regrettably, we lean so heavily on our tangible sense, and question His leading, challenge and doubt His intentions and maybe even His accuracy for us. A GPS system is merely a man-made mechanism and very prone to fallibility... God's system will never fail, His guiding hand is continual, and the Evidence of Faith is His living waters flowing from you regardless of the appearance of things, regardless of the perceptions of others, and most certainly regardless what appears to be obvious... His is a faith of the Spirit in your life, not your life in this world!


G.W. Bill Elliott, Jr. MDiv
VocalBillity Devotionals - http://vocalbillity.blogspot.com

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