After getting rear-ended a couple of weeks ago, our insurance company provided a rental while our car was being repaired. A blessing amidst that upheaval was the fun of driving a well-equipped new car that included Apple CarPlay. This feature allowed the Maps app on my iPhone to be displayed on the built-in dashboard screen.

One evening after work, I decided to program the navigation for "HOME" to see what it would do while I was parked 8 levels below ground in the employee garage. As I began my ascent circling out of what I fondly call "the abyss," the app instructed me to "Proceed to the route."

Rounding a corner to go up to level 7, the map quickly rotated on the screen acknowledging my change in direction. I grinned as the gentle but insistent voice repeated, "Proceed to the route." That grin turned into a smile as with each turn of my circular ascent, the GPS calmly instructed, "Proceed to the route." After the 5th unchanged directive, I couldn't help but chuckle, admiring the "patience" of this technology knowing that a human would be much less tolerant.

Approaching the 3rd level, I sensed a nudge from the Holy Spirit that perhaps the Father was trying to get my attention. Pausing in prayer, it struck me that the GPS was not the only one who had been offering that graciously persistent counsel.

Emerging from the darkness of the parking garage, a phrase from Micah 6:8 illumined an area in my life that although the Lord had already told me what is good and what He wants from me, I had chosen, instead, to hesitate in indecision. And, although I could rationalize my reluctance, the Holy Spirit remained as graciously adamant as the GPS. "To get to your destination, Child, it is time to proceed to the route." Honestly, for me, the issue was not a question of destination or discerning steps to begin, the issue was my unwillingness to surrender in joyful partnership with the Holy Spirit.

Can you relate? If so, may I pass that exhortation on to you? Perhaps there is an area in your life that, though the Lord has shown you the destination and even revealed the first few steps toward it, you have hesitated. Maybe you have circled through the parking garage of indecision, of fear, or even intimidation. Would you hear and heed the Father's exhortation spoken from the kind intention of His will? "Child, it's time to proceed to the route I've shown you."

And Beloved, hear the good news. As you go, you will not go alone.

In his teaching, "Maintaining Your Inner Compass," Graham Cooke said, "The thing about God is that if He tells you a destination, He is totally committed to getting you there." In God's relentless devotion to you, no matter what you may encounter on the journey, He will be present with you. "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; when through the rivers, they won't sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you won't be scorched and flame won't burn you" [Isaiah 43:2 CEB].

O precious one, God has called you by name, and He says, "You are mine." "Haven't I commanded you? Strength! Courage! Don't be timid; don't get discouraged. God, your God, is with you every step you take" [Joshua 1:9 MSG].

In blessed assurance, inhale the empowering breath of the Holy Spirit and "proceed to the route."

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Need a little musical encouragement to proceed to the route? Enjoy a song that has been meaningful in my journey of faith over the years, "Be Strong and Take Courage."  Want to be equipped with a fresh vocabulary of faith along your journey? Enjoy this more recently written song, "Way Maker."

Looking for other encouragement resources including the unique devotional series, 31 Days of Encouragement? Visit my online store!