Living Without The Answers

Have you ever tried to plan your life only to have it go in a completely different direction, and you couldn’t figure out why?

For me, why did leukemia show up? Why did God heal me and not my friends and family? Sometimes, we simply don’t know the answers on this side of heaven.

So what should you do when there are no clear answers?

Here is a truth. God directs our steps even when we can’t see where He’s leading. “The Lord decides what a person will do; no one understands what his life is all about” (Proverbs 20:24 NCV).

I know, Bible verses don’t heal or even help on some days. And I know that on some days these words are both freeing and frustrating.

Freeing, because they remind us that life isn’t random, God is guiding each step. Frustrating, because it means we won’t always get an explanation for the “why” behind life’s turns.

So when it’s frustrating, what do you do? I think our role is to obey God rather than try to control life. God’s Word says, “People may make plans in their minds, but the Lord decides what they will do” (Proverbs 16:9 NCV).

Our job isn’t to force our way forward; it’s to walk in obedience - trusting. I think this is where faith is actually exercised - when the path is foggy.

Faith grows best when we can’t see more than the next step. “Trust the Lord with all your heart, and don’t depend on your own understanding. Remember the Lord in all you do, and he will give you success” (Proverbs 3:5-6 NCV).

It’s not easy. So you need the help of faithful friends. You need quiet time to talk, even complain, or cry to God. The truth is that life’s detours are often God’s greatest classrooms.

Unanswered questions train us to trust. It’s not necessarily a fun experience. But it is a good one. For example, unexpected delays teach patience. Deep disappointments push us closer to the Lord. Trust me, when leukemia and prostate cancer showed up in my life, I talked to God more than today.

When my friends were fighting with dying, I walked very close to God. Why do we stray when a crisis is over?

It’s best not to try to “figure life out”. Because God doesn’t provide all the answers - for our own good. Trust is not trust if you can see everything …

Trusting the Author of our story brings peace in uncertainty. When you can’t see the whole route, God isn’t asking you to know the map, He’s asking you to trust the One who orchestrates it.

Your and my role is to take today’s step faithfully and let Him lead us into tomorrow and the days to come.

GOD, help us spend time with you. If we love you, we will. If we trust you, we will lean into you. If we honor you, we will be reminded that you “always” have our best interest in mind. Honestly, some days, it doesn’t feel that way. Some days are hard. Holy Spirit, help us when it’s hard please. Give us faith, trust and love for your plan. IJNIP amen ♥️