In one of my sermons in December I preached about "toys," and the implied promise that they will fulfill all our needs (especially the more expensive toys that often catch our attention). At that time the particular toy that had caught my eye was a global positioning system (GPS) for my car. GPS devices are electronic gadgets that provide up-to-the-moment maps and driving directions. If only I had a GPS then I would never again be lost while driving. (Nor would I ever have to stop and ask for directions.)

Unfortunately, at the time GPS systems were well out of my price range. But, as with most electronics, if you wait a while, the price will come down. As you may have guessed by now, I recently ordered a GPS system of my very own. Very soon I will have the capability of knowing exactly where I am at any moment. And by entering an address into the system, will get instant directions for where I want to go. Now I will never get lost again - at least not while I’m driving.

But what about the rest of the time? Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have a GPS system that would give us directions for our lives? Do you have to make a decision about a job? Check out the GPS. Not sure what to about a relationship problem? Turn on the GPS. Concerned about a medical problem? Look at the GPS. Facing a decision about where to go with your life? The GPS will show you the way.

Obviously no such device exists. Nor are those decisions simple ones with easy answers. But that is not to say that there isn’t help out there. We do have a resource, a "life GPS", that can give us direction for all of life’s difficult decisions, and the simple choices, too. But it is a resource that must be used to be helpful.

That resource is, of course, our faith. God is always there to help us with whatever choices and decisions we must make. God is there to give us direction. But we must be open to hearing and seeing where God is leading us. God does not just pick us up and put us where we are supposed to be. I don’t believe God works that way.

Rather God speaks to us and directs us in other ways. God leads us through scripture, if we read it and study it. God directs us through prayer, if we are willing to listen and not just talk. God speaks to us through worship, if we attend with open hearts and minds. God helps us through the people around us, if we are willing to open our eyes in faith to see his presence in those around us.

We do have a "life GPS". It is the Word of God spoken to us in prayer and worship and Bible study and the gathering of the faithful. It is there to help us through all of life’s decisions, if only we would use it.

In Christ,

Pastor Knowles