By REV. DARRYL WOOD / Guest Columnist

Myrtle and I share a love-hate relationship. No, Myrtle’s not my wife. That’s the name I gave to the female computer voice on my GPS. No offense to the real Myrtles of the world.

Myrtle came in handy when I moved to Shelby County. She introduced me to unfamiliar highways and by-ways.

But Myrtle has this habit that grates on me like finger nails on a chalkboard. When I fail to take her advice on a route or think I know a better way, she whines “recalculating.” Then, she instructs me on the proper turns to take to resume the route she mapped out.

As disconcerting as it might seem, God implants a spiritual GPS within every believer. The Bible name for it is Holy Spirit.

Jonah received directions through God’s guidance system to go to Ninevah. But the prophet didn’t like the instructions. Jonah second-guessed God and took a slow boat in the opposite direction. You remember what happened. Jonah found himself getting “recalculated” in the belly of a fish.

A second time the Lord plotted a route for Jonah to Ninevah. Wisely, the preacher listened to God’s directions that time. Once God gave the charge, “Jonah arose and went to Ninevah according to the word of the Lord.” (Jonah 3:3)

God charts His plans for you. When you veer from that course, God finds a way to get your attention, although He may not use a giant fish. Sometimes God speaks through the challenge of a Christian friend. Or He could allow you to fail so that you will be more sensitive to Him the next time. Sometimes the Holy Spirit pricks your conscience to remind you He’s watching.

Whatever way God chooses to “recalculate” your life direction, pay attention. He’s persistent with His children. When the Lord calls you out, it’s to your advantage to listen.

The Rev. Darryl Wood is pastor of the First Baptist Church Vincent. You may contact him at dwood132@bellsouth.net.