I see it in the restless, the wanderers, the dreamers, the Starbucks baristas, the busy mamas, the businessmen, the gray haired knitters, the eyes that belong to all waiting hearts. We all share the same inquisition: “What’s next?” Because we are just sojourners here, subject to time and the way that God spins the globe.
So how do we joyfully and confidently travel these hidden ways in the midst of waiting and unknown?
“Where are you going to college?”
“What is your major?”
The both terrifying and exciting two questions that show up at the doorstep of eighteen. They threaten the very truth of who we are and who we will be.
So how do we answer these types of big questions with confidence? How do we hear God’s still small voice while deadlines approach?
Sometimes I think it would be easier if we could figure it all out. It would be easier if we had a formula for knowing with 100% certainty what the right decision is. It would be easier if we were promised that if we read our Bible for 10 minutes each day and drank our coffee out of mugs with Bible verses carefully lettered on, then God would finger-paint the words we need in the clouds. But that’s not the way it is. Actually, I’m glad it’s not, because God’s plan for us is so much bigger than easy, predictable, safe, or even imaginable.
One thing I have learned, one thing that God promises us time and time again in His Word: He will be faithful. We can rest in that promise. In the unknown, in the questions, in the doubt, in the fear, He is still faithful. He may not answer the way we expect or on our schedules, but he always makes His way known. He may answer through the pages of His living Word, His still small voice, a favorite song, or the words of a treasured friend. God is more creative than we can comprehend, always thoughtfully showing us the right path, the right answer, making the unknown known in the way He knows best.
And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left. Isaiah 30:21
I love this picture. God goes before us and behind us, always showing us the way. Those words bring a deep peace to my soul, a peace that allows me to sleep instead of worry. I have freedom because I don’t have to make the right decision, I only have to listen to the Word behind me. So I lean into that promise, listening for those words— “This is the way, walk in it”— at every crossroad.
God has been actively teaching me of His faithfulness. I like knowing. I’m impatient and indecisive too. This equates to the perfect recipe for fear, doubt, and worry. Needless to say, I’ve been fighting for truth–– for courage, peace, trust— to take over my broken temptations.
By God’s grace, I have decided where to attend college and what to major in. Throughout this whole journey, I have taken lots of deep breaths, prayed lots of prayers, written lots of words, and taken lots of steps (sometimes jumps) of faith. It’s been terrifying and exciting all at the same time.
I thought that with the answer to those two questions, I would be finished with decisions. But I’ve learned that for every decision made there are several more decisions waiting on the other side of “yes” or “no.” So I’m taking all the gems of wisdom God has given me through this season and storing them deep in my heart. I’ve realized that decisions don’t end, we must learn to seek God in the midst.
Though our lives may constantly change, the world may beckon another answer from us, or our tomorrow may be unknown, we can rest in the peace that our Father holds the whole world in the palm of His hand (Psalms 95:4). So we will be brave. We will walk the road before us with faith, always leaving room for the Word behind us, speaking softly, “This is the way, walk in it.” We may not know what’s next, but we know how the story ends.