The step right in front of us. Sometimes that’s all we have to work with.
And sometimes even that feels like more of a leap of faith than a firm-footed step of knowing.
If you’re anything like me, you probably love it when the plans for your life seem to layout before you like a detailed map – providing you with a grand view of where you are and where you are heading. When you’re able to identify a clear path to follow – and take note of what you might expect to encounter on the journey to your next destination. Yes, I tend to breathe a little easier, and walk a little lighter, when I’m able to see the big picture and understand what’s coming down the pike.
You know, I can even find peace in the times when the map isn’t fully in focus, but my next few moves are clear, discernible, and knowable. When there is enough light on the path that I can see a ways down it – and know, with relative certainty, what to expect in the short-term. There is a sense, in times like these, that with every step I take the light on my path will move forward as well – revealing just a little more of the big picture.
But, if I’m honest, those times in life when the way forward feels unknowable… And in fact, my very next step feels almost like guess work… my faith is stretched in ways that makes me feel uneasy and uncomfortable. As a follower of Jesus, these are the times that I hope I’ll find my faith – and my God – much bigger than I might normally believe. And yet, I still tend to find myself much more aware and concerned about my every little move. Is this right? What if I’m wrong? Is this God’s leading? Or am I trying to force something here?
The truth of the matter, I’m finding, is that regardless of how much of our life’s map we might be able to see at any given moment in time, we will always be required to take steps of faith. Just because we might have a vision for our future, or even a more short-range glimpse of the road ahead, doesn’t mean that we are guaranteed anything. We are still called to walk in faith – and not by sight.
In some ways, what we are blessed with in our knowing – in our flashes of the map – is a measure of peace. We are comforted by the fact that there is a plan for our life. That we are going some place on purpose – with a purpose. That the trajectory our life is on makes sense, and will continue to for the foreseeable future. And because of this, we are freed from many of the anxieties and frustrations that come with not knowing.
Clear or not, however, we are all called to walk the unclear and uncertain step before us, holding all of its anxieties and frustrations loosely, believing – trusting – that God will provide firm-footing. Always.
And eventually peace.
And when the timing is right, a bit more of the bigger plan that lies before us all.
For me, today, the way forward feels very unclear. But I trust in the ever-present and ongoing love and activity of God in my life – and in the world.
And you can too.
