Sometimes I wish God would just dump a road map in my head

:a map detailing the dead

ends, the potholes; clear directions on the places I should and

should not go; where, when, and how. Sometimes I wish God would

just plainly tell me, “This is what I want you to do; and this is

the way and the time I want you to do it.”

But I know my nature (certainly, God knows), and if He were to do that, I’m sure I would come to depend on that map more than I would Him. My eyes would be so busy scanning it—making sure I don’t wander off my intended path—that I would forget to gaze fully at His wonderful face. I would be so busy examining my own course that I would forget to take His hand and lean on Him. I would probably rush ahead (despite all warnings) for something that was not yet meant for me, and get hurt in the process. I would forget that this life isn’t about having it all figured out and having the answer to my every aching question , but rather about the One who gave me this life in the first place . Everything would be expected, and I wouldn’t have the opportunity to have my mind completely blown by the way God so often shows up unexpectedly. I wouldn’t have the opportunity to trust completely in Him because I have no idea what lies ahead and how I am going to keep going.

You may disagree, but I would rather have God than a road map. I would rather go through that trial, blind and bewildered—only to be amazed by God’s undeserved (and unexpected) goodness and faithfulness. I would rather know the pain of falling, wondering what would become of me and if I would make it—and then, joy incomparable as I fell right into God’s arms. I would rather have to completely lean on and trust in God for an answer and for guidance because I have no idea what to do, where to go, nor how exactly this is going to turn out. I would rather face the unknown if it meant I would come face-to-face with my God, who makes Himself known to me. I would rather have a deep, intimate connection and closeness with God—to know His goodness and love—than know how everything will turn out. I would rather know the blessing of faith, for, “ Blessed are those who have not seen, and yet have believed ” (John 20:29).

And thank God that He doesn’t just leave us on our own , expecting us to “figure it out;” but we have the guidance of His very own Word (2 Timothy 3:16-17), the promise of His ever-abiding presence (Matthew 28:20; Hebrews 13:5), and the sealing and comfort of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13-14; John 14:16-18; 26).

— “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you” (Psalm 32:8).|