A Lesson In D.C.
This past weekend, my wife and I took our kids on a road trip to Washington D.C. to attend the high school graduation of their uncle. As the parents of two daughters (ages 4 and 2), and a 6 month old baby boy, I’m sure you can imagine just how difficult that road trip was for us.
If it wasn’t for our children’s godmother (who came along with us), we would have certainly had to check into a psychiatric ward once we got back.
During this trip, I learned a few things about myself that I hope (after reading this) will help radically reshape the way you and I have long perceived the direction and path God may be leading us to follow.
My wife and I go absolutely nowhere without our GPS system. From locating the nearest restaurants and gas stations, to discovering what roads and highways serve as the best shortcuts, our GPS has been like a distant cousin to us both. So much so we gave it a name: Anne.
Although we had been to D.C. a few times before, navigating in and around the city has always been a daunting task. Not only are the multiple Beltway interstates (I-95, I-295, I-395 & I-66) a never ending maze, the number of two-way streets that turn into one-way roads will make your head spin. So needless to say, having Anne around with us on this trip was extremely vital.
On the morning we were set to return, I had the bright idea of stopping through downtown to take some pics of the family in front of a few monuments; been a big fan of them ever since I was a kid.
We packed up the car, fastened all the kids in their seats, and then took our favorite person in the whole wide world (Anne) out of the glove compartment. I turned her on, overwhelmed with joy to begin entering in the addresses for the monuments we wanted to visit before leaving town. But suddenly, my joy quickly turned into shock as Anne uttered these four very frightening words:
Unable To Locate Satellite.
This message from Anne was something (I’ll admit) I had seen once or twice before. It happens every time I would forget to charge her up over night. Without a full battery, Anne became useless.
So being the revolutionary man that I am, I decided to take matters in my own hands, and tried to drive downtown without Anne’s assistance. (In my mind) I didn’t have the time to wait on Anne to charge back up; I wanted to get there by myself.
I’m sure you can just imagine where this story is heading now, right?
It never ceases to amaze me how we as believers find it difficult to wait on the guidance and direction of God concerning our lives. Despite the fact that He has proven time after time that He will never lead us astray, many of us still seek to take the wheel of our lives in our own hands and navigate along certain paths that He may (in many circumstances) never intended for us to take.
I learned a very valuable lesson nearly two years ago from a message by Pastor Andy Stanley. It serves as the underlining message of his brand new book, The Principle of The Path.
Here it is: Direction, Not Intention, Determines Destination.
No matter how much you and I intend on doing the right things in life, we need to assure that it is God who is directing and guiding our decisions, and not our individual pursuits and desires. More often than not, the paths many of us find ourselves on are driven by how we feel, and what we see, rather than the paths God may have for us, which are never bound or dependent on our senses.
Is there anything wrong with wanting a better job? Absolutely not. Is there anything wrong with wanting a bigger home, or nicer car? Again, not at all. And yes, I realize the timetable you set for getting married has come and passed, but before you try to grab the wheel and make something happen, allow these words to redirect you as they did for me this weekend:
Direction, Not Intention, Determines Destination.
If you’re heading down the wrong direction, it doesn’t matter what destination you intend on reaching, you will never get there (no matter how hard you try or how hard you pray).
God’s laws of guidance do not bend towards us. We bend towards them.
Funny thing happened once we finally got downtown to visit one of the monuments (a 45 minute trip that on any other day would have taken less than 10). As soon as I parked the car, Anne (our GPS device) found the satellite and prompted us to enter in our directions.
God is quite the comedian, isn’t He? Gotta love Him.
For a few pics our trip, click here!
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Category: Life & Faith
Dear Milan, Thank you so much for that shared experience on direction , not intention, this morning. I will feel it throughout my day, with great guidence from the Lord. Thanks once again for the insite. I also am a great lover of the Red Vine licorice !!! Not the red though…….. that`s not licorice ! That`s just candy ! Like white chocolate, that not chocolate ! That`s just candy….. It`s up to us to know the difference, such as knowing what is divine direction or just play old intention ! I wasn`t able to log on to revieving your emails , daily. It`s said it was an error, however it was my email address that I put in. hmmmmm ……Expecting a miracle or helping to create one for someone else…. Sherry
Mr Milan, first I must tell you that I have enjoyed everything written by you here at streamingfaith. I have found out the hard way that every step I take must be led by father Jehovah himself. When I read your writings a hard-headed little boy comes to mind. I absolutely love your honesty, your love of God and family, your tenacity and your desire to learn. Although you have grown into a man, the little boy in you comes out in all of your writings. Don’t ever change.
By the way, where do you get off calling Anne useless? Just like like a hardheaded man to have thought that he could do it without a woman…lol
Spirit
Hi Milan. Your experience really ministered to me. I read your article on Streaming Faith’s Daily Devotional. I am at a point in my life that I really need to follow God’s direction and not my own feelings. I couldn’t have read your posting at a better time. It’s time for me to get in the passenger seat and let God take the wheel. I pray that God continues to bless you and your family abundantly. Thanks again for sharing your gift.
like you failing to recharge anne or waiting on her to be charge. you decide to rely on your own sense of direction. this all so happen to christian who fail to listen to the holy spirit direct them or wait on the voice of God. obedian is better than sacrifice
Hi Milan, I so bless by this statement direction not intension determine destination. I needed that. Thanks and keep the faith
Hi Milan, Thanks alot for sharing your expereince with many, I am so bless with the statement Direction not intention determine destination I neede this so badly and it like God Just spoke to me throzgh you. Thanks aonce again and keep the faith.
Pastor Edmund
Hello Milan,
I hope you’re having a pleasant day thus far. Awesome message. It’s interesting how so many of us use this gadget to direct us from and to our destination. When these gadgets were not available how did we get to our destination?
1. A Map 2. Asking someone for directions.
Now direction not intension =destination is awesome; because that’s the message God wanted you to receive. We might want to work on not using these amazing technologies as a crutch; they are here to help us not hinder/criple us. We are smart people some things are just common sense. If I’m offending you, please forgive me that is not my intent and take no offense. I’m a no nonsense writer.
I do recognize God will get our attention in any means necessary. Your test just happen to be the GPS Tracker. When things are heading in a different direction, try not to panic; first you must think, process then react. I know, it’s easier said than done. Reverse that make it easier done than said. The bible doesn’t care how much we read it, it’s major concern is how much we do what it says. Life and death is in the power of our tongue. Prov. 18:21. When things don’t go the way we intend it, accept it, take responsibility of your actions and so forth. Acceptance is key. Over all, I’m very happy you got the message God was sending you and the others that receive it as well.
Have a wonderful Wednesday!
MaRy R.
Milan,
Excellent narration it actually touched a nerve in me as it reminded me of a time when I was in the valley of decision, debating whether I should go and study in the UK or the US. But here I am now in the US..I would also like to commend you for the excellent ability to infuse in your articles the boy in you and the man who is a committed minister.
The saying goes “If GOD ordained it, HE will maintain it”. My prayer for you this day and everyday is that GOD sustains your gift of writing, maintains your life in HIM & your family and continues to ORDAIN you to keep your “In your face” style of writing, so that men will see your GOOD works & GLORIFY GOD!!! GOD IS THE BEST COMEDIAN & SO ARE YOU!
Live Blessed & Highly Favored
CBates
TEN before ELEVEN was awesome and right on time.
Milan,
What an opportune time for me to read your posting. I guess God has ways of getting a word to his little ” think we know it all” children. I have been praying about Direction. I feel like I have no place that I fit. Then I find myself doing things other than what God wants for me to do. I have a desire to study more of the Word, Pray more, and just seek out more of God and less of myself. NOTICE I said “DESIRE”. It’s almost as though it is a struggle for me. I am not that happy at the church I attend but I don’t really fit anywhere so I’m training myself to sing with the choir,( not that I can sing so good). I just need to find my place but I want the direction of the Lord to Lead me. My husband is a Minister and he seems to just fit in everywhere. Our Pastor is my brother-in-law and it seems that I am being held back from doing in the church. It’s as though he and his wife finds reasons for me not to do in the church. I like working with young people but I was told that i had to basically get permission from the youth director to have the young people meet at my house for a teen rap session. Milan, i am 50 yeras old and have been through a lot in my life and just want to enlighten the young people or give them a place to come too. I am saved because I accepted Jesus in my life and certainly would not harm anyone children becuase I have 5 of my own.
At one point I was so zealous about the things of the Lord but now it seems that the fire is low and I am just in limbo and hoping that one day I will come alive again. Milan, I don’t know why I shared this with you and ever how many others that may read this but I just need direction. I have worn a mask for so long and I am ready to take it off. Keep me in your prayers and for anyone that may have a word of encouragement for me please email me at : atkinson1115@yahoo.com.
Thanks for listening…..God Bless
Charlotte