When You Don’t Know The Way To Go
Welcome to The Overflow! I’m glad you’re here. I hope you’ll linger a while and enjoy a few tales from the trenches and be buoyed by God’s Word. For more encouragement meet me on Facebook or read my devotion at Proverbs 31 Ministries today. Better yet, I’d love to meet you face to face! I’m accepting speaking requests for 2021 and 2022. Check out my speaking page for details or contact me at overflow@aliciabruxvoort.net
When we slipped into our shoes instead of our pajamas, my little campers danced around with wondrous excitement.
“We’re not going to bed yet,”I said in a conspiratorial whisper as we gathered in a hushed huddle beneath the star-studded sky. “We’re going on a night hike, instead,” I announced.
A murmur of anticipation rippled through the girls of Cabin A.
“You’re the best counselor EVER!” one of my campers proclaimed.
“I never have this much fun at home,” another chimed.
“That’s why we have to come to camp,” replied the friend beside her with a giddy giggle.
I waved a flashlight above my head and gave my treasured troupe this simple instruction. “I know where we’re going. So stick close and follow me.”
The girls sang silly songs as we hiked past the lodge where we ate our meals and the chapel where we studied God’s word. They told knock-knock jokes as we trekked around the lake where we tipped our canoes and the bonfire pit where we roasted marshmallows.
But as we left the familiar sights behind and turned onto a wooded trail that ran along the edge of camp grounds, the giggles grew quiet and the complaints grew loud.
“This path is too bumpy,” a high-pitched voice whined. “I’m probably gonna trip and fall.”
“I can’t even see where I’m going,” another camper chimed. “It’s too dark under all these trees.”
“I bet we’re lost already…” a worried one murmured. “We should just turn around now.”
I slowed my steps and came to a halt in a silver shaft of moonlight. Then I stretched my hand through the darkness and pulled my campers close to my side.
“I don’t expect you to know the way to go,” I assured them. “I just need you to trust me and follow.”
The girls of Cabin A were quiet for a long moment. Then, a wobbly voice piped up for all to hear. “We trust you, Miss Alicia. Let’s go! “
I don’t know what the landscape of your life looks like right now, dear friend. But I do know that sooner or later, we all find ourselves standing on unfamiliar ground.
We may be navigating the nuances of a new relationship or learning the intricacies of a new job. We may be welcoming a child into our family or launching a child into the world. We may be taking hold of a fresh start or letting go of an old hangup, stepping into a vibrant calling or stepping away from a dying dream.
Whatever terrain we’re traversing, we can be confident that Jesus knows the way.
So next time the path ahead makes your doubts soar or your confidence plummet, don’t worry about the steps to come. Just take one step closer to Jesus.
Lean into His presence and listen for His voice.
Call to mind His promises and talk with Him in prayer.
As you shift your focus from the uncertainty within you to the One who stand with you, that unfamiliar ground beneath your feet won’t feel so frightening.
And chance are, when you sidle up next to your Savior, you’ll hear Him reminding you of the simple truth I once shared with a gaggle of girls beneath a moonlit sky:
“You don’t need to know the way to go. You just need to trust me and follow.”
” O Eternal One, I know our lives are in Your hands.
It is not in us to direct our own steps—we need You.” –Jeremiah 10:23.
Hey, friends! What kind of unfamiliar terrain have you been navigating lately? Share a bit of your journey in the comments so we can pray each other through!
I’m 61 and recovering addict also dealing with loss of my mother this past January and loneliness, I understand this is a season for me and I completely trust Jesus through it all, sometimes it’s just very sad and lonely and could use some extra prayers thank you and God bless
Dear Jesus, you know the depth of Donna’s grief and loneliness. Please help her experience your presence in a personal and powerful way. Remind her she’s not alone. Surprise her with your goodness. Amen
Thank you for this reminder. Last month I walked away from a very unhealthy marriage of 39 years. I didn’t want the marriage to end but I knew it couldn’t continue the way it was. So I left because frankly I didn’t see any other option. The result has not been what I expected. I am now living with my son in another town, without a job or any real income. I guess I expected my husband to see that we need help and be willing to fix this, but at this time he has done neither. I know God is here and with me. Its just the new reality and the unknown future is daunting and frustrating. I truly strive to be in God’s will and I would appreciate prayer that I will choose daily to trust and walk in complete surrender with the one who truly dies know the way. Thank you
We’ve just done a big move for my husband’s job, but we prayed about it alot and God had his hand on this from the start. It has been so hard to move away from all our family, church and friends. My husband and I are coping with God’s help, but our 3 girls are working through it. It’s been especially hard on them. I’ve given their childhood to God, but I pray they grow closer to God thru this and not bitter towards him. Thank you for your beautiful messages!
Our parents are losing their memories. They are 84 and 88 and have been married for 60+ years. It’s difficult to watch and even harder to know how we are going to navigate this season. Prayers for guidance and peace would be so appreciated ~
Love them “where they are” each stage they (and you) face. We have to live in their world when blessed enough to still have them. Joy in the moments….even if they won’t remember it. It’s letting God’s love shine through you. It is very painful but can be rewarding. Of course, I hope you have supports in place, as their care is 24/7. Prayers for all.
Dana, This is so hard. I’m claiming James 1:5 for you in prayer– May God give you wisdom generously as you ask Him to guide your steps in this difficult season of caring for your aging parents.
I graduated in August , 2019 as a Nurse Practitioner, a step ahead from being an RN. Ever since, I have been looking for a job, but in vain. I am praying and requesting God to guide me through this path.
I’m echoing your prayer, Winfred. Jesus, please guide our sister’s steps and direct her to the opportunity you’ve handpicked for her. Give her patience in the waiting and discernment in her job search. Amen
My husband of 40 years passed away in spring of 2019. It took me more than a year to decide that my house was too much for me to continue to take care of alone. Every step of the selling and moving process has been stressful and has left me feeling alone and uncertain. Time and time again I have to ask Jesus to forgive me for not trusting Him on the path He is leading me. Please pray that I will learn to put my complete trust in Him and follow Him willingly through this next chapter of my life. Thank you
Joanne, I’m so sorry for your loss. I am praying for you right now–asking Jesus to comfort you with His tender presence and to know His faithfulness in personal and powerful ways as you navigate this next chapter of life. Hugs (virtually) to you!