“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the LORD. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine." Isaiah 55:8
The first day of school brings excitement, adjustment for all, and transition. So, when my six-year-old came off of the bus with tears, I wasn’t super surprised or upset. I figured maybe there was a simple confusion, but I questioned why his heart was troubled. After a bit of prodding he informed me, “I thought I was on the wrong bus.”
In fact, he had been crying the entire bus route. You see, the school was new. The bus was new. The driver was new. The schedule was new. The route was new. The timing of when school started was new. The ONLY thing that remained the same was the destination. Yet, he couldn’t see the destination…all he could see was the overwhelming discomfort of the unknown.
Sound familiar?
I’m convinced that many of us have found ourselves on a journey and holding back the tears. We look around and see unfamiliar faces and paths, and wonder, “God what are you doing right now?”
Where are you taking me?
I don’t recall you sharing these details.
This is uncomfortable.
This is not what I thought it would be like.
We find ourselves wanting to “jump off the bus.” In my own life, I have my expectations and then I have to live with reality. Often, my plans don’t easily line up with the direction God is taking me. My plans seem a fading memory as God takes the lead. And to be honest, the longer I surrender to God, I find that His plans are completely out of the box from my limited perspective. The truth is, even if you were to step back and ask how you got to where you are RIGHT now, you would see God putting together an intricate route of circumstances, people, and paths.
Our lives are like puzzles being precisely put together by the One who knows it all.
Yet, in the moment this is impossible to see. We have no idea how we will make it to where God is calling us to be. All we know is, like my son, we are on a journey that may be uncomfortable. Some of us “stay on the bus” full of nerves. Others try to get off at the first chance. A few stay on the bus with confidence securely knowing that the driver has their best interest in mind. Ultimately, I’ve learned this…
The depth of your trust for the driver will determine your reaction to the journey.
In other words, if you fully trust that the driver will get you there, you can enjoy the scenery, meet new people, and learn along the way. In my own life, it is very rare that my children have ever been scared on the way to a new place, if I am driving. They trust full well that I will help them reach their destination.
This brings us to you…
How do you handle transition?
How do you react when you aren’t sure how it will end?
Do you trust that the Lord is guiding your path or complain every step of the way. I have to be honest. Even while writing this, there’s huge “Ouch” in my own spirit. With our church plant starting in six weeks, I’ve found myself on a journey of twists, turns, and plot twists. There’s been times I’ve questioned God on how He can possibly do what needs to be done according to OUR timing. The scenery and even people on the bus with me aren’t what I expected. YET, God is still good! In fact, He’s taught me this year that He is the God of EVERYTHING and EVERY plan concerning my life. Every person he brings, every amount of provision, every detour, He’s watching it and none of it catches Him by surprise. He’s taught me this…
God does not have a GPS to get us to the destination HE IS the GPS.
In other words, He is leading the way. Fully aware of where we need to be at what time, He is the best driver you will ever meet. The question is…we will abandon the journey or trust the journey.
Today, I encourage you to trust the journey. Trust the words found in so many verses.
Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. Isaiah 41:10
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11
“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the LORD. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. Isaiah 55:8
Trust that the Lord is with you.
Trust that He is not surprised by your detours.
Trust that His timing is good.
Trust that He can heal the dissapoinment.
Trust that He is sending the right people at the right time.
Trust that He is available to ask questions and speak to.
Trust that He knows the beginning and the end.
Trust the journey.
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