Life’s GPS

“He will glorify me because it is from me that he will receive what he will make known to you.”—John 16:14 (NIV)

If I’m being honest, I don’t recall how I ever got around before GPS technology. I am not good with navigation, so before my phone came with a GPS, I used to get lost often. Even in the days of printing out MapQuest directions and bringing them along with me, I found myself lost on multiple occasions after taking a wrong turn or missing an exit. But since then, I’ve managed to arrive at most places with relative ease—unlike printed maps, my phone adjusts its route when I veer off course in any way.

As I read today’s verse, I couldn’t help but think of guidance. Here Jesus is talking about the Holy Spirit, whom He promised to send after He went away. In verse 13 (NIV), Jesus says, “But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth . . .”

The word for guide in verse 13 is hodégeó, which means to “lead on one's way, to be a guide or teacher; to give guidance to.” Essentially, Jesus is telling us that the Holy Spirit is our GPS for navigating the Christian life. And man, am I grateful to God for sending us the Spirit, because apart from the Spirit I was completely incapable of finding my way; I was lost, far away from the desired destination. Even as a believer, every time I’ve muted the Holy Spirit GPS, I get off on the wrong exit, make a wrong turn, or end up going down a one-way street in the opposite direction with oncoming traffic barreling toward me at full speed!

It’s only when I follow the Spirit that I end up going in the right direction and taking the best road to my desired destination: a life of purpose and joy that honors the Lord, ending with eternal life in Jesus’ presence! You see, as Jesus stated in today’s verse, the Holy Spirit communicates to us the truth of Christ. He relays the directions of abundant life into us. He will never steer us wrong; His way is always true and perfect because it receives His commission and instructions as an ambassador from the Lord, to do His will and complete His work in and through us.

DIG: Have you ever been lost trying to find your way? How did it feel? What did you do?

DISCOVER: What does the Bible say about the Holy Spirit?

DISPLAY: As you seek to navigate through your day today, ask the Spirit to guide you and reveal the will and truth of Jesus to you

About the Author

Danny Saavedra

Danny Saavedra is a licensed minister who has served on staff at Calvary since 2012, managing the Calvary Devotional and digital discipleship resources. He has a Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling and Master of Divinity in Pastoral Ministry from Liberty Theological Seminary. His wife Stephanie, son Jude, and daughter Zoe share a love of Star Wars, good food, having friends over for dinner, and studying the Word together as a family.