0514 day 17 – gps

Are you familiar with GPS (Global Positioning System) technology? Twenty-seven (24 active; 3 backup) satellites orbit the earth so that each satellite “knows” where it is at all times. GPS devices (receivers) communicate with at least four satellites at all times so it can calculate its position on earth through trilateration. As long as you calibrate the device with a starting position, it can accurately calculate how far your destination is, how to get there, and where you are at all times.

I remember going on a one-day fishing trip with a couple of friends. We left Redondo Beach and were a few hours into the trip when one of them realized he had his GPS unit in his pocket. He forgot to calibrate it before we left but he turned it on anyways.

He looked at the display and had a puzzled expression. We asked him to tell us what he saw. He said, “Well, I’ve got two possibilities. Either we’re a few miles southwest of Catalina, or ...” We looked at the horizon and nodded for him to continue. He said, “... or we’re in Glendale.” We laughed and told him to put it away.

God also has a GPS for us to use. Except his stands for Gifts Passion Struggles. We need to identify our natural and spiritual gifts, be passionate about the way we serve the Lord, and learn from the struggles and challenges that He puts in front of us.

When was the last time I was driving and became lost? What happened? I think about a trip to Hawaii in 2005. After spending most of the day touring and hiking around Volcanoes National Park, some friends and I were looking forward to spending the night at a vacation rental.

We found the right street, but then the driving directions became hazy. As I recall, we had to “go past the 12th streetlight and turn right on the driveway next to five white rocks.” Needless to say, we lost count a couple of times and had to start over. And the rocks were softball-sized. We finally found the right house and the Lord was with us: the key unlocked the front door!