I believe one of the greatest inventions in life is GPS navigation. As someone who has a notoriously poor sense of direction, I really appreciate the sense of security and peace my little GPS navigation system provides. The other day, I met up with a couple of friends in Alexandria. I had no problem getting there, but coming home was a totally different story. By the time I left Alexandria, it was past 4 PM, and I could not get back on I-66 West because the HOV-2 restriction had already kicked in. So right before I was to enter I-66 W, I got off an exit and found myself in the middle of Rosslyn! I pulled to the side of the road and tried several different destinations near home to get the GPS to give me alternate routes that did not include I-66 W. To make a long story short, after having found an alternative route, and yet missing necessary turns a couple times, I found myself on Canal Road in Georgetown, headed into Maryland! I was in utter despair and terribly frustrated. I had to attend a 7 PM Bible study in Fairfax that evening, and at this rate I was going to be at least 1 hour late. I began to vent to God. “God, why is this happening to me? Why am I wasting 2 hours on the road? What is the point of all this?” I called my poor husband several times to complain about how stupid my GPS was. On the way to Maryland, however, the GPS finally figured out a way to get onto 495 headed to Virginia, and I arrived at my destination on time. I ‘apologized’ to my GPS that I should have trusted it more, that it did not fail me.
That evening, as I was reflecting upon my driving nightmare, God gave me a revelation that the panic, confusion, and anger I experienced may be how many NCFC members feel about our current church situation. They feel helpless, and out of fear and frustration, they are passing judgment on one another. Instead of trusting our ultimate GPS, Jesus Christ, to get us through this journey safely, many are taking matters into their own hands. By doing so, however, they are making matters worse. This reminded me of something I read from the book, Developing a Supernatural Lifestyle, by Kris Vallotton. The author talks about the importance of pilots trusting the plane’s instruments, NOT their mind’s perceptions, when they are flying in clouds. Due to what is called spatial disorientation, pilots, in severe weather, feel like their plane is upside down and rising when in fact it is the opposite. If they fly by how they feel instead of what the instruments indicate, this usually results in the plane crashing right into the ground. Likewise when we cannot see or comprehend what is going on in life, we have to trust our spiritual instrument, the Word of God as well, not our perceptions or feelings. “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers. . ., will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Rom 8:38-39) No matter what happens, it is within the boundaries of God’s love for us. As we keep our eyes on this truth, NCFC will get through this time of turbulence victoriously and come out more sanctified and humbled, even more ready and equipped to fulfill His calling for NCFC, to make disciples of all nations!
From Pastor Sara’s Heart
April 7, 2013