Have you ever been lost? Have you sat in your car or stood on a street corner, looked around, and wondered where to turn next? Getting lost is not uncommon when we are in unfamiliar surroundings. However, we expect to know how to get from Point A to Point B in our neighborhoods without difficulty, especially if you live on a 21-square-mile island as I do. So, when asked, “Are you a local?” I would have laughed had I not been truly lost.
When a Local is Lost
I arose early to meet a vendor at an event site at the opposite end of the Island. I hustled my dog into the car and headed for the site, trying to arrive by 5:30 a.m. As I approached the final stretch of my journey, I saw the bright red and blue lights of emergency vehicles on the road ahead. An overturned car blocked my lane. I sat motionless for several minutes until an officer came to my car to enquire about my destination. He advised bypassing the road blockage by traveling a few side roads and eventually resuming my intended route.
Oh dear. He doesn’t know I could get lost in my own backyard.
Panic churned in my stomach. I hesitated, worried I would get lost if I continued alone. Then the police officer went the extra mile. He gave me his number and offered to direct me through the detour.
“Call me when you reach Dolly’s Bay Lane. I’ll guide you from there,” he told me. “You can’t miss it.”
When Help Arrives
Having a guide made all the difference.
1. The police officer knew the route in detail because he had patrolled the area many times. He gave directions from a distance as if he were driving in the car with me.
2. The police officer gave specific, accurate directions.
3. I trusted his leading because his directions were specific and accurate.
Making my way in the darkness of the pre-sunrise morning was unsettling, but I trusted his guidance. The voice on the phone told me where to go.
Likewise, God does not leave us when our path is blocked or when we don’t know in which direction to turn. He doesn’t break contact because there isn’t a time when we don’t need Him.
After following the officer’s step-by-step directions, I finally reached a familiar point, just as he had promised. I thanked him heartily and enquired about the victim of the accident. He informed me medical personnel had attended to the accident victim. The person would be fine.
At my destination, I waited in the darkness for the vendor. In the meantime, I let my dog out of the car for a stretch and sniff. I watched the sunrise from a peaceful, empty beach and thanked God for his direction and protection. I had arrived safely at my destination, no longer lost.
When God Guides
Having a Guide makes all the difference:
1. God knows your route in detail.
2. God gives specific, accurate directions when you feel lost. The Bible contains His directions for your life.
3. You can trust His leading. He came to save the lost.
Jesus is preparing a place of love, peace, and safety for His people.
Jesus said, “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” (John 14:1-3).
Heaven is a beautiful place. Follow His direction, and you can’t miss it!
Stay strong in the Lord.
Blessings,
Sherma
Let’s chat: Can you think of a time when you felt God’s leading when you’ve been lost? Did He speak through a person? A scripture? A song? Feel free to share.
That’s a very powerful image of God’s guidance and concern for us. You have nice police officers on your island! I, too, have had lessons concerning God’s character in the patience and kindness of another person. Those experiences stayed with me and changed me. I know the lessons were from my heavenly Father.
I don’t know if that’s the norm for police officers, but I was truly impressed by his helpfulness. I agree with you; these situations feel like lessons from God and demonstrations of His care and watchfulness. They are “before we call” m,oments, and He custom-designs our help.