. . . we should not settle for a map or a compass when we pray.
Listening to speakers teach on the will of God, I remember hearing that
"the Bible is our blueprint" or "the Word of God is like a map" to
guide us. As I grew more analytical in my faith, I began to dislike the
blueprint imagery. It seemed too robotic and offered no room for the
individual's created-in-the-image-of-God personality. Of course God
directs our steps (Proverbs 16:9) but that same verse reminds us that
"in his heart a man plans his course." Blueprint talk was reassuring
as it bolstered my belief that the Word of God is without error and my
rule for every aspect of life, but it was not satisfying when it came
to understanding life's difficult decisions. Too much of real living
presents options or circumstances that have no specific mention or
precedent in scripture; some even present two or more good, even
righteous, options.
I then began to think of the Bible as a map, an inerrant guide for my
path: "I have considered my ways and have turned my steps to your
statutes" (Psalm 119:59).
Of course, this led me to not just read the Bible but to seriously
study it's teachings. A good thing, for certain. My hunger for the Word
of God grew and poured a strong foundation for every aspect of my
mind-set and life-style. Very comforting until I heard someone say "The
Bible is a compass, not a road map." That simple statement gave me the
freedom to study the scriptures, not for turn left then turn right at
the second street directions but for direction based on the truths of
God's Word and the wisdom it contained that could guide and guard my
decision-making. God's Word can be counted on to point me in the right
direction.
That settled it. Until one day I began to think of a real-life
situation. Several international mission trips jolted my awareness of
what it feels like to have no idea of where you are, what path (or set
of directions) got you there and, most importantly, which way to go
forward. Sometimes forward, literally, is not the best choice. It was
then I realized, if I was alone and totally lost the blueprints of my
vehicle would not be helpful. A map could only help if I knew exactly
where I was and were I was headed. The compass could point me to true
north but that would be of help only if I knew the right direction to
go in the first place.
Then it hit me. Blueprints. Maps. Compass. Each one an important, even vital, tool. But something was better. Someone, actually.
I needed a guide. A guide knew the map better than the cartographers. A
guide had an internal compass, always knowing the direction we were
heading. It was no contest. Put me in the middle of a desolate road in
Zambia or in a mountain top village in Guatemala, I'd have but one
request: Give me a guide who knows this region! He will guide me in
the right direction after he gives me wise counsel on what my
destination ought to be and how to travel safely.
When we pray, we are prone to ask for blueprints, maps, or a compass.
Sensible requests, certainly. It seems to me though, we'd do well to
ask for the guide who can instruct us in how to use them correctly
and, as an added bonus, go with us the rest of the way home.
Pastor Phil
|
January 2008 
