God Is Not Like Google Maps

On Tuesday, Hilly and I are heading out on a road trip to meet up with some long-time friends in California. Because I’ve never driven from here to the Bay Area before, the most essential element of our travel will be my Google Maps app. And, let me tell you, I love Google Maps. You probably do, too, but here are a few reasons I’m so into Google Maps.

First, it tells me exactly where I’m starting and where I’m ending. Second, it gives me step-by-step, turn-by-turn directions for how I’m going to get from here to there. And, as if that weren’t enough, it tells me my estimated time of arrival; warns me of potential construction, traffic jams, and other obstacles; and even offers alternative routes when I get turned around.

There are times I wish to myself that following Jesus was more like following Google Maps.

In my faith, I know my ultimate destination is heaven; but until Jesus calls me home, I sometimes wish I had the exact coordinates for where God wants me to be and what he wants me to be doing. Instead of being filled with narratives, poetry, and letters, at times I would prefer for the Bible to give me step-by-step, real-time directions for what I’m supposed to do today to get where I ought to be tomorrow.

And, most days, like a six-year-old on a seemingly endless car-ride, I find myself asking God, “Are we there yet?” Expecting that I should be further along by now: more mature, more Christlike, more responsible, loving, wise, and on and on.

But, following Jesus is not like following Google Maps. And here’s why: the goal of following Google Maps is to arrive at my destination—say, California. California is the prize, Google Maps is the means. Once I’ve arrived, I turn off the app and forget about it until the next time I hop in the car.

But the goal of following Jesus is Jesus. And therefore, God is not so concerned about taking you along the most time-efficient and direct route. Instead, God is working all things to help you realize and embrace you dependence upon him. He takes the scenic routes to show you awesome displays of his glory. He leads you along the long, winding roads in order to keep you from the temptations and pitfalls that lay in wait along the highways. His ways are slower. They take longer. And, though he could, he refuses to snap his fingers and instantaneously make you perfect. And why would he do that

Because his ultimate goal isn’t your perfection. Rather, in everything, his aim is to give you more of himself.

So, the next time you feel frustrated by how slowly your faith is progressing or disappointed by a felt lack of direction in your Christian walk, remember that God is the goal. Go to him with the frustration. Wait upon him in your disappointment. And rest in the promise that he is more faithful than Google Maps and, by his Spirit, will accompany you all the way home.