Spiritual Garmin

Guest Writer - Penny Franklin

Summer 2010 is here and winding down! Before school was out, the big question was, “What are you doing for the summer?” Of course we have Vacation Bible School planned, and are renewing our memberships to the zoo, aquarium, and the parks. We are also planning a few small trips, one of which will be to Grandmother’s house.

Last summer, our grandparents came to visit us; we had fun showing them our new home and all the great attractions sprinkled around New Orleans. When the time came for them to leave I walked them out to their car for our final good-byes. It was then that my mom said something really interesting. It was in response to me asking them if they needed directions getting back to the interstate that would take them home. 

Mom said, "Oh no, we're going to turn on this Garmin, select HOME, and we'll be good to go!" I didn't get the impact of what she said until I got back inside and had my morning prayer time.

Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don't know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” Jesus answered, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life". (John 14:5-6 NIV)

How many times have you had "no idea" how to get somewhere or navigate a new path in your life? When we were new to New Orleans, before even pressing the gas pedal, we turned on the Garmin, a navigation system, to show us exactly how to get to all the places we needed to go.

A Garmin is a wonderful piece of equipment when trying to find your way around unfamiliar territory. After using it for a few days, it’s hard to imagine anyone living without such a modern convenience, especially when navigating new places.

This wonderful box of technological genius mounts right on a car's dashboard so you can see the map without taking your eyes off the road! But, as if that's not enough, it also talks to you! Periodically, it verbalizes your location and provides step-by-step instructions of any upcoming changes in direction! In fact, you just about have to turn the volume down or mute it to avoid unnecessary commentary every time the car moves. Additionally, techno-wiz, Mr. Garmin, loves to inform his followers of restaurants, gas stations, shops, or any other attractions in the area. If you need a break from traveling, you can stay on your assigned path and not deviate just to find a place to rest.

After waving good-bye to my parents, I felt confident that their Garmin would get them home on the best path possible. I walked back into the house and thought, wouldn't it be cool if we could have a Garmin for our lives?! Something that would sit in a place that we could easily see, something that would speak step-by-step directions and that might even show us places to rest along the way?!

Thomas told Jesus they didn’t know where to go or how to get there. Have you ever said this to Him as well? Whether it involves everyday life or a new season you are experiencing, Jesus told Thomas, and tells us today, that He is “the Way, the Truth, and the Life”.

Jesus is our Spiritual Garmin! Put Him (His Word) in a place that you know you're going to see. In other words, turn Him on before you even start your day. Read His Word and let Him speak to you before you even press the gas pedal of your week! We can get to going so fast most days that we even forget that we need Him for step-by-step directions! I think too often we either don't turn Him on or when life gets too confusing we just hit MUTE on our Lord!

A Garmin tells you of surrounding places of entertainment, rest, fuel and even the specifics of where you currently are, but nothing compares to Truth and Life! We all struggle like Thomas, often wondering what path is best for our journey through life, but we can learn from this confused disciple. He asked, "How can we know the way?"  I have asked this question many times myself; the answer is found in Jesus alone. 

How do you put this in to practice?

• PRAY - Turn on the power button to Jesus
• LISTEN – Turn up the volume; listen to Jesus
• READ - Read the Bible (God’s instruction manual) daily and journal if that brings your thoughts closer to Jesus.
• ASK – Inquire of God if you don’t understand something (He’s can answer questions like the best customer service representative when a piece of technology gets tricky).
• SEEK – Look for the Truth and Life that only Jesus can provide.

Put your Spiritual Garmin to good use…it is ready and waiting. Be ready to follow the way that Jesus, the ultimate Mr. Garmin, takes you. I promise you will be able to approach any journey with confidence and that you will reach your destination on the best path possible.

About Penny

Penny is a Pastor’s Wife and Women’s Minister who is currently serving on staff and alongside her husband at Journey Christian Church in New Orleans, La.  She is the mother of a beautiful 6 year-old girl and very active 3 year-old boy.  She adores her family and considers them her most important ministry!  She has a heart for women to truly know the love of Christ.  She mentors and disciples women in cities dotted across the country and currently writes devotionals that are sent to both men & women coast to coast. 

Comments

[Lynn Mosher]

Hey, Penny! I almost missed this. So glad I didn't. I loved this! Be blessed!

[lanita pickard]

I love it!!. Yes, we all need a spiritual garmin and if we know the Way and the Truth and the Life. We have one. Thank you for reminding me of where it is located. Now a real gps needs to be in the car. But you know, I see spiritual garmins everyday located in the car behind the back seat exactly where they left them from church the Sunday before. This spiritual garmin will not "talk" to you from there. All it does is tell the watching world that you do not do anything but carry it to church and store it in your car. Shame on us. No wonder we do not know our way. Thanks again Penny, for reminding us that we do have a guide to where we need to go and He is always right on track. But you are right. We must turn it on and listen..Love ya!!