Can GPS Be Trusted?

Where to start...

The long-story-made-short is, my son and daughter-in-law moved back to Idaho this week but needed my help. We loaded my jeep with all the things that would not fit in their small car, and we left southern Oregon at 6am Tuesday.

My son’s car is prone to overheating and this trip was no different. We were pulled over on the side of the highway a few times. The 10-hour drive took us closer to 13, but eventually we made it. I grabbed some sleep and got back on the road Wednesday morning.

I was looking forward to the return trip as I knew I could shave off, easily shave off, 2 ½ hours as I would not be stopping for an overheated vehicle.

I am not familiar with Idaho, so I instructed my Google Maps “driving directions from my location to Grants Pass, Oregon.”

Within seconds I heard a female's reassuring voice, “Here are your directions” and I took off, following the turn-by-turn audio instructions that came from my phone.

I love mornings and I love driving. Soon I had the radio turned up, enjoying the passing scenery, conversing with God and just loving life.

After three hours or so, I began to think, “nothing looks familiar yet but then again I’ve only been here once in the last 40 years.” Another hour later, I began to think, “I should be seeing the Columbia River by now, but I don’t.”

Well, what I did begin to see were signs for Toppenish, Wapato, and Selah…all towns I was very unfamiliar with. And then, with a bit of dread, I realized I was entering the city limits of Yakima, Washington and I now know “we’re not in Kansas anymore.”

Long story short, 6 hours after leaving Coeur d’Alene, I arrived in Goldendale, Washington. I am not sure what happened, other than when I spoke the words into my phone, “Driving directions from my location to Grants Pass, Oregon, it heard “Goldendale, Washington.”

Now, I take full responsibility for this. GPS, although much better, is not perfect. I also know the voice-to-texting accuracy is not 100%, but I had my driving glasses on at that point and would not have been able to read the text (my reading glasses were in my purse.) I kept telling myself “trust the process.”

Oh, how often we misplace our trust.

Several years ago, I was headed over to the neighboring county and to the VA Cemetery for the service of one of my cousins. I had never been to this location and so I had entered the address into my GPS. I followed every turn-by-turn direction until, far removed from city limits, I pulled up in front of a farm gate, leading to nothing but pasture land, not a building in sight, and the automated voice telling me “You have arrived at your destination.” Um, no.

A tragic accident occurred in North Carolina in October of last year when a father drove off a road that washed away more than eight years ago. Phil Paxson was in his Jeep when it overturned and was partially submerged after it plunged into a creek. Unbeknownst to the Phil, the road had washed away many years prior. He was simply following directions laid out by his GPS when he drove onto the roadway and to certain death. And who doesn’t think of GPS and not think of the horrifying story of the Kim family getting lost in southern Oregon in April of 2013.

When we put our trust and faith in the wrong thing it can lead us down very dangerous paths.

GPS stands for: Global Positioning System. (I always thought the “S” was for satellite) And according to my online search today, the GPS project was started by the U.S. Department of Defense in 1973. The first prototype spacecraft was launched in 1978 and the full constellation of 24 satellites became operational in 1993.

Originally limited to use by the United States military, civilian use was allowed from the 1980s following an executive order from President Ronald Reagan after the Korean Air Lines Flight 007 disaster.

From the early 1990s, GPS positional accuracy was degraded by the United States government by a program called Selective Availability, which could selectively degrade or deny access to the system at any time, as happened to the Indian military in 1999 during the Kargil War. However, this practice was discontinued on May 1, 2000, in accordance with a bill signed into law by President Bill Clinton.

As a result, several countries, including Russia, China, India, Japan, and the European Union, have developed or are in the process of setting up other global or regional satellite navigation systems.

On one hand: amazing technology! Just think of the things we have accomplished in just the past 50 years of earth’s history! Incredible. On the other hand: scary!

But we have a different kind of GPS in Jesus that cannot fail. God’s GPS will lead you to safety with one hundred percent accuracy, one hundred percent of the time. He is reliable. He is dependable. He is never wrong.

Here are a few ways in which Jesus is like a reliable GPS:

1 - Guidance: Just as a GPS provides directions and guidance to reach a destination, Jesus is our guide, offering teachings and principles to help us navigate life's challenges and find our way toward an everlasting future with Him. Jesus said in John 14:6 “I am the way and the truth and the life.”

2 - Direction: GPS devices give specific directions on which turns to take and which paths to follow. Jesus' teachings provide direction on how to live a moral and purposeful life, emphasizing love, compassion, forgiveness, and humility. Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." NIV

3 - Path to Salvation: Jesus is the only path to salvation and eternal life. Just like a GPS can guide someone along the correct route to their desired destination, Jesus is our guide. He shows the way. Psalm 119:105 “Your Word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path.”

4 - Reassurance: A GPS can provide a sense of reassurance by confirming that you are on the right road. Likewise, followers of Jesus can find comfort and reassurance in their faith, believing that Jesus is with them on their journey through life. We are on the right road and we are not alone. Matthew 28:20 "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

5 - Presence Everywhere: Just as GPS signals can be received virtually anywhere on earth, Jesus' presence is also universal, surpassing physical boundaries. “You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Psalm 16:11 NKJV

6 - Course Correction: If someone takes a wrong turn while following GPS directions, the device will recalibrate and provide new directions to get back on track. Jesus does the same, offering forgiveness and the opportunity for redemption when we make mistakes and take the wrong road. Isaiah 30:21 "Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, 'This is the way; walk in it.'"

7 - Constant Companion: A GPS is a constant companion for travelers, offering guidance and support throughout their journey. Jesus is that constant presence, offering spiritual support and companionship in all aspects of life.

“For the mountains shall depart And the hills be removed, But My kindness shall not depart from you, Nor shall My covenant of peace be removed,” Says the Lord, who has mercy on you.” Isaiah 54:10 NKJV

by Jeanette Stark – Thursday, August 17, 2023