Don't Be Afraid to Let God Lead You on the Path, Even When You Don’t Know Where It Leads
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There is something unnerving about not knowing where you're going. As humans, we crave a sense of control, a certainty that the next step we take will lead to a favorable outcome. I’ve often found myself grappling with this tension, wanting to follow God but also wanting to know the destination before taking the journey. Yet time and time again, the Bible reminds me: God's path is often one we cannot fully see, but it’s the path of trust and faith that leads to His best for our lives.
One of the most significant examples of this is Abraham’s story. God called him to leave his homeland, his family, and everything familiar to him. "Go from your country, your people and your father's household to the land I will show you" (Genesis 12:1). It struck me how God didn’t give Abraham a map or a clear picture of where he was headed. He simply said, “Go.” And Abraham went, even though he did not know where he was going (Hebrews 11:8). This is one of the purest examples of faith. Abraham didn’t demand answers; he trusted God, and that trust became the foundation of his journey.
In my own life, there have been many moments where I have faced uncertainty. I’ve had to make decisions without knowing what the outcome would be. But, like Abraham, I’m learning that God’s call is not always accompanied by clarity. He rarely shows us the full picture because walking by faith requires that we rely on Him, not on our own understanding.
Proverbs 3:5-6 is a well-known Scripture, but its depth hits me every time I reflect on it: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” This verse doesn’t say that God will show us every turn on the road ahead. Instead, it asks us to trust with our whole heart, and in that trust, God promises to direct our paths.
For me, letting go of my need for control is one of the hardest parts of following God. I like to know where I’m going, how long it will take, and what the end result will be. But God's Word teaches me that this mindset is more about my desires for security than true faith. When I lean on my own understanding, I’m really leaning on my own limited perspective. God sees everything—past, present, and future—while I only see the here and now.
Isaiah 55:8-9 humbles me: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” This passage reminds me that God’s plans are always higher, better, and infinitely more comprehensive than anything I could ever imagine. When I don’t understand where He’s leading me, I can trust that His ways are superior to mine. I don’t need to know everything because He does.
Another story that encourages me is the journey of the Israelites. When God led them out of Egypt, He didn’t take them on the shortest route to the Promised Land. Instead, He led them the long way around. Exodus 13:17-18 tells us that God took them on the longer, less direct path because He knew they weren’t ready to face certain challenges. As they wandered in the wilderness, the Israelites often doubted, grumbled, and questioned God’s plan. I can relate! There have been times when I’ve felt lost or wondered if God had really led me in the right direction.
But God was faithful. In their wandering, He provided food, water, and protection. Even when we don’t know where we’re headed, God is still providing for us, still guiding us, and still protecting us. Sometimes, it’s in the seasons of uncertainty that we experience God’s presence the most because we’re forced to rely on Him fully.
One thing I’ve realized is that fear of the unknown can paralyze us. But fear is not from God. 2 Timothy 1:7 reminds us, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind.” This Scripture encourages me to reject the anxiety that comes with uncertainty and to embrace the peace that God offers through His Spirit.
I’m reminded of Peter when he stepped out of the boat to walk on water toward Jesus (Matthew 14:22-33). As long as Peter kept his eyes on Jesus, he walked on the water. But the moment he became distracted by the wind and the waves, fear took over, and he began to sink. How often do we, like Peter, take a step of faith but then get overwhelmed by the circumstances surrounding us? This story teaches me that as long as I keep my focus on Jesus, I can walk through any storm, any uncertainty. But the moment I let fear cloud my vision, I start to sink.
The path God calls us to walk is not always smooth. It’s often filled with unexpected twists, turns, and challenges. But those challenges are not without purpose. James 1:2-4 says, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” These trials refine us, shape us, and make us more like Christ. We don’t need to fear the unknown because God is using every part of the journey to prepare us for His greater plan.
When I reflect on my life, I see moments where I didn’t understand why God led me a certain way, but looking back, I can see His hand in every detail. Perhaps you’re in a season where you don’t know what the next step is. Maybe God is calling you to leave behind something familiar, much like He did with Abraham, or maybe you’re in a wilderness season, feeling a bit like the Israelites, wandering and unsure of where you’re headed.
Wherever you find yourself, I encourage you to trust that God is with you. He never leads us on a path without walking with us every step of the way. Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” Notice that it says a lamp for our feet, not a spotlight for the entire road. Sometimes God only shows us the next step, but that’s all we need because He is faithful to guide us as we go.
God calls us to walk by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). That means we won’t always know where we’re headed, but we can trust the One who holds the map. He is the Good Shepherd who leads His sheep, and even when we walk through the darkest valleys, we can fear no evil because He is with us (Psalm 23:4).
So, don’t be afraid to let God lead you on a path even when you don’t know where it leads. Trust that He is good, that His ways are perfect, and that His plans for you are far greater than anything you could ever plan for yourself. As you take each step, remember that He is with you, guiding you, and shaping you for His glory. You may not know where the path leads, but you can be confident that it leads to God’s perfect purpose for your life.
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