It was quite a few years ago, but I still remember the fear on Dorene’s face when she finally arrived. We were having a Women’s Retreat at a remote location, so remote that maps were provided to eliminate the possibility of getting lost. I don’t remember if there was a “No GPS!” warning on the brochure, but there should have been!

Dorene’s GPS device convinced her that it knew where she was going, and so she followed it. Oh, the time she’d save! NOT! As I recall her story; after winding through mountain roads, seeing some unwelcome faces, and ending up on the edge of a cliff… although the details aren’t entirely clear, I’m sure the next part of the story had to do with a phone that wouldn’t work and a whole lot of prayer. Help!!!  

I’m sure the best part of Dorene’s frantic account was the detail of how she came to find her way back from the end of the world… okay, I exaggerate… but all I remember for sure was fear, relief, and a resolution to never again trust her GPS. The moral of the story can perhaps be found in the 12^th Chapter of The Bridge from OneDayBow:

Tim’s trip was going smoothly – at least for the past day –

And self-assurance led as he turned off the straightway.

A sign read, Here’s the shortcut that leads to HereAndNow.

Caution, this way’s not open to those from OneDayBow!

Is there anything about that sign to make Tim think it would take him in the direction the King wanted him to go? (I can almost hear someone saying, “Maybe. After all, there are many paths that lead to the same destination….” Maybe when you’re talking about the Grand Canyon, but you better watch out for shortcuts there too!!!) The fact that those from OneDayBow were specifically cautioned against taking it should have been a warning; the promise of a short cut should have raised doubts about it being the King’s way; and no prayerful consideration on Tim’s part led to a rash decision followed by an unwelcome outcome:

It only took a minute to regret what he chose:

All at once Tim sank in mud, almost up to his nose!

He couldn’t even cry out for help to be set free,

And as he tried to pull out, a tempter laughed with glee.

Dorene’s sad choice to trust GPS pales in comparison to Tim’s careless decision! In mud up to his nose and being laughed at by one scary tempter, the prospects of getting out of this one were slim and none. Where do you go from here???

The answer to that question will have to wait until next time, but what can we Christians learn from this? When it comes to walking out our faith, we need to follow the King by following the Bible. Here are three really bad shortcuts to avoid:

Don’t watch a Hollywood movie to learn theology. Read the Book!

Don’t get your Bible history from the History Channel. Read the Book!

Don’t think every sign is a sign from God. Read the Book!

There are no real shortcuts in the Christian faith. Stay on the straightway by following God’s Word and you’ll arrive safely and right on time.