Running errands yesterday, I had entered a series of destinations into my Google Maps app, and clicked “Get directions.” My first stop was the fabric store and then my friend’s house to deliver a gift. I had a general memory of how to get to Terry’s home and proceeded on that route.
But Siri had other ideas, and at several stoplights she urged me to make a U-turn. I knew I was on the right route, but Siri wanted me to backtrack and take a round-about freeway route to approach her home from the other direction. It was a nervy experience to stick to my familiar route—which turned out to be exactly right—despite the voice that nagged me to turn around.
The thought struck me during this trip that the spiritual life has similar moments: you have resolved to follow Jesus along a known and practiced route, but some other voice attempts to derail your progress, take you on a detour, or otherwise cast doubt on your decision.
I realize that there are occasions where Jesus is trying to protect or instruct me, requiring a change of plans or direction. I am not advocating stubbornness and resistance to God’s will. But I am reminding us to exercise spiritual discernment and strength against the wiles of the evil one, who tries to divert our attention or get us confused about our faith.
Those wiles include deception, distraction, and enticement, as demonstrated by the devil’s intrusion upon Jesus’s forty days in the desert (Luke 4). “Break your fast, and turn these stones into bread!” “Jesus answered Satan’s temptations with Scripture, grounded in his relationship with the Father. He knew the Source of reliable direction. He knew that there is more to life than instant gratification. He knew that fame’s allure was short-lived and certainly not worth losing one’s soul to achieve. And he knew that God had nothing to prove by gratuitous demonstrations of power. Jesus had a quiet and steadfast trust in God the Father and stayed on track toward his lifelong mission.
It’s possible for us to possess that same poise in the face of the diversions offered in our vulnerable moments. I am inspired by the admonition in Hebrews 12:1-3:
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God.
Consider him who endured such hostility against himself from sinners, so that you may not grow weary or lose heart.
So, look to Jesus! Listen to Jesus! Learn from Jesus! He will help you navigate through confusing territory.