Oceans in the Desert

by Kathi Pelton

By nature the human race desires answers to our questions from a young age. Around two years old a toddler will discover the word “why” and it will become one of their most frequently used words. The discovery of answers is how we learn and how we learn to navigate this world.

As we grow in maturity and develop our personal relationship with God we must learn to trust Him without always demanding an answer to the many “whys” that surround our journeys as we walk with Him. We know that He is good and that His plans are to bless us so we follow Him into unknown paths by faith believing that He will order our steps.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah‬ ‭29:11‬ ‭

Our family has followed His voice by moving to other cities, states and even other countries while not understanding the many questions that flooded our minds in the process. After thirty (Yes…THIRTY) moves to different homes in thirty-five years of marriage we could just stop unpacking and say, “Why bother?” But we always decide to bloom where we are planted; even if it’s for a short time.

You could spend sleepless nights trying to figure out the answers to so many of life’s “Why?” moments but in our journey we have learned that when the answers are hidden that God has a reason for that as well. Your journey may not be a move to a new home or city but you may be in the midst of a change or transition that causes you to have more questions than answers. You can ask Him why but if He doesn’t answer then know that he has a reason for His silence. You can trust Him in the unknown; knowing that He is holding you and leading you with plans to prosper and not harm you.

When I look back upon my many years of this “walk of faith” that my life has been on, I can truly say that I am grateful that He’s left many questions unanswered. If I had known more then I did at the time I might have feared that which I did not yet have grace to walk through. Or, I may have tried to orchestrate things to cause that answer to manifest in a wrong timing or way that wasn’t His way.

One of my favorite verses in the Bible is Proverbs 16:9,

“A man’s mind plans his way [as he journeys through life], But the LORD directs his steps and establishes them.”

I’ve told this story before but it’s worth repeating. One day I was praying for my son-in-law, Luke, while he was facing a big transition and decision. As I prayed for him I heard the Spirit say to me,

“Tell Luke that he cannot miss My will.”

Honestly I thought that I heard wrong because he has a free will and could go the wrong direction so I asked the Holy Spirit how this could be true. His answer amazed me. He said,

“If a man’s steps are committed to Me then even if he makes plans that are not right I will redirect them and establish them according to My will.”

Wow, what comforting words that brought great peace! These words have been proven to be true in my life and it has been true in the lives of my children. Worry flees when I believe those words. I can’t miss because my steps are committed to Him! Even if my steps begin to get off track He will redirect them and establish them according to His will.

There is a song called “Thy Will” by Hillary Scott. It is a prayer of surrender yields to the One who holds every answer in His hands. Here are some lyrics that can be your prayer when facing unanswered “why’s”,

I know you see me- I know you hear me, Lord- Your plans are for me- Goodness you have in store

I know you hear me- I know you see me, Lord- Your plans are for me- Goodness you have in store

So…

Thy will be done- Thy will be done- Thy will be done

Like a child on my knees- All that comes to me is- Thy will be done

Thy will be done- Thy will be done

I know you see me- I know you hear me, Lord”

(Writer(s): Hillary Scott, Emily Weisband and Bernie Herms)

Like a child we can trust our Father, even when we don’t understand. You may have many things that you’re facing right now that you don’t have answers for but you only need to understand one thing...HE IS GOOD and His plans for you are good!

This is your reality. He is good and in the midst of your “whys” you will see His goodness come forth. You will be the recipient of His goodness and a witness of His faithfulness.

Trust Him!

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