The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a technical marvel made possible by a group of satellites in earth's orbit that transmit precise signals, allowing GPS receivers to calculate and display accurate location, speed, and time information to the user.

By capturing the signals from three or more satellites (among a constellation of 31 satellites available), GPS receivers are able to triangulate data and pinpoint any given location.

With the addition of computing power and data stored in memory such as road maps, points of interest, topographic information, and much more, GPS receivers are able to convert location, speed, and time information into a useful display format.

I have such a computer in my car. When I drive to a new destination, I usually input the address of the place that I am driving to, and the GPS takes me there. The woman's voice coming from the GPS tells me to turn right or left, or sometimes, she tells me that she is recalculating because of my action. The other day, my husband and I were driving to an appointment regarding his hearing. This was a new destination, and I typed the address into the GPS. After the appointment, we decided that we would visit our daughter and let the GPS guide us to her home. We could have taken the usual route, but we wanted to know where the GPS would take us.

To our surprise, this little computer took us through areas that we would never have ventured through. We drove through beautiful landscapes, passed small lakes, and omitted the usual highway driving. The drive was breathtaking and peaceful.

This out-of-the-normal routine made me think of the gift of the Holy Spirit, Who, if we listen and obey, will also take us to places that we never would have thought that we would go to. It could be like travelling overseas to share the gospel with people who have never heard about Jesus and the forgiveness that He offers. It could be volunteering in a hospital or a nursing home, or caring for an elderly parent or husband.

Today, as we go about our usual routines, let us listen to what the Holy Spirit is telling us and directing us to do. Are you and I willing to travel to a new destination, trusting that this is where God wants us to be?

Proverbs 3:5-6 – Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. (NIV 2011)

Prayer: Lord God, help us to listen to the Holy Spirit's guidance and to trust that You will take us wherever You want us to go. Thank You for this wonderful gift. Amen.

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About the author:

Rosemary Hagedorn <rosyhagedorn@gmail.com>
Penetanguishene, Ontario, Canada
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