Do You Follow Your Own Path or God's Guidance?

Do you do what you want to do, or do you do what God wants you to do? To be honest, I struggle with this at times. I know what God would prefer for me, but I often find myself wanting to go my own way. One helpful reminder for me is to think about what happens when I ignore the directions from my GPS and choose a different route.

There are times when I type an address into my GPS and follow it carefully. But then, I notice an alternative route and decide to take it. Before long, I find myself completely lost. The sweet voice of my GPS starts urging me to turn around or take the next left. My stress levels rise as I argue with the little voice inside the GPS, questioning whether I should trust it or stick to my own plan.

This scenario mirrors what happens when I ignore the guidance of the Holy Spirit in my life. As a Christian, I am blessed with the constant presence of God's Spirit, which is amazing and far beyond my ability to fully comprehend. Yet, the Scriptures are clear on this matter. In John 14:16-17, Jesus says: “And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept Him, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. But you know Him, for He lives with you and will be in you.”

The Holy Spirit, who dwells within every believer, is not only always present but also works tirelessly to guide our steps. Remember the comforting words of Psalm 23:4: “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”

Instead of trying to go my own way, as Frank Sinatra once sang, I need to practice following God's path. Even when I feel tempted to do otherwise, trusting in His guidance will always lead to a better outcome. It’s a lesson I can’t afford to forget, and the rewards are worth it.