Q: Why don’t you just tell me the path you want me to take? Why do I have to figure it out myself?

A: God’s will for our lives is not as much discovered as it is revealed in our lives. There are two types of revelation in this world: general and special. General revelation is the created world around us, which points to our Creator. By looking at the stars at night, we can know that God exists. An orderly, precise world points to an orderly, precise God. Special revelation has come to us in two forms: Jesus Christ and the Word of God. Christ was revealed to us in John 1:14, full of grace and truth. Christ is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). The Word of God is God-breathed and useful for many things (II Timothy 3:16-17). When we read the Bible, it’s the Holy Spirit that gives us understanding to what we are called to do (II Timothy 2:7). God’s Word becomes a lamp unto our feet, and He guides our paths and daily lives (Psalm 119:105).

With general and special revelation in place, why is it that God does not directly tell us what path to take? Well, rather than view this idea as a negative, view it as a positive. Consider the following advantages to not knowing the future:

• We are reminded that we are small, finite beings.
• We are reminded that God is infinite, all-knowing, and all-powerful.
• When we’re not sure of our future, we’re reminded to rely on God through prayer.
• Prayer can bring us to a humble, submissive state, from which God can work in our lives.
• We know that the testing of our faith produces perseverance (James 1:3).
• When we go through trials, we are refined like gold through the fire, being purified to bring glory to God (I Peter 1:7).
• We’re not called to be anxious about anything because God has promised to take care of us (Matthew 6:25, 34).
• If God takes care of the birds in the air, would He not take care of His own children, the ones created in His image (Matthew 6:26-27; Genesis 1:27)? 

While I don’t know the future, I know who holds the future, and I know that the same God who holds the future holds me, and in this truth I find peace, rest, and hope. God bless. 

Jon Kragel