How Your GPS Perfectly Illustrates Belief vs Faith

Long before we used cell phones and GPS for directions, I remember the paper map days. Everyone had a paper map in their car. When unfolded, it was huge and very detailed. Usually it covered the entire state! So if you were traveling to say, Pennsylvania, you would have a Pennsylvania state map. 

There was an art and a challenge to properly refold the map back into its compact, original shape. For many, this was nearly an impossible task. To obtain a map, they were available for purchase at most gas stations, and many times free at highway welcome centers. Back then AAA would even prepare a detailed road trip for you, providing maps and notes. 

When taking a road trip, there was a driver and a navigator. The navigator usually had the map in their lap, telling the driver what road or turn was coming next. Usually this was the source of much anxiety, especially if the navigator was not good at reading maps. 

The map was essential when traveling to unknown areas. If there ever was a case when you were driving without a map and got lost, the dreaded asking for directions scenario would occur. That means stopping for directions at a gas station, a store, or just simply rolling down your window and getting the attention of a stranger on the sidewalk. 

The days of maps are long gone. I'm not sure if you could even find a map to buy today. We are sure in a whole different world as far as navigation. With GPS, there's no such thing as getting lost. Well, you could get lost I suppose, but GPS will always re-route you, and ultimately get you to your final destination without fail. Unless, of course, your phone dies!

Using a GPS will tell you when there is a delay ahead, and tell you, in real time, if there is a shorter, alternate route. We all have most likely had the experience when suddenly the GPS device will urgently say something like, "There's a 10 minute delay ahead. Take the next exit to avoid the delay." Suddenly you need to make a quick decision. Should you just stay on the existing route, one that maybe you're familiar with and accept the delay, or should you trust the GPS and take the unplanned exit? Therein comes the illustration between belief and faith. 

Belief is illustrated in the fact that you believe the navigation device speaks truth, and if it says there's a delay ahead, you believe it. You wouldn't even turn the navigation device on if you didn't think it would accurately get you to your destination.  And you also believe the device when it says that it would save time to take the next exit. However, will you actually take the exit? That's the question!

Faith is similar to belief, but is different. Faith is when you actually do take the next exit even when its going to possibly take you into uncharted territory! 

Believing that the GPS is true is one thing, but faith is another. Faith involves action. And when you turn on to the exit, it's like a blind faith, totally trusting in the GPS's guidance. You could describe it as obedience. It's your response in complete confidence that the GPS is going to ultimately take you to your destination. 

Belief involves the acceptance of truth. Faith involves confident trust and obedience.