“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.” –Romans 8:28-30
Springfield, Missouri’s roads are mapped out like a grid. Almost every single major byway has coordinates facing directly north, south, east, or west. But yet, there are still people who seem to get lost. Oftentimes, I find myself riding shotgun, calling out directions to one of these disoriented drivers behind the wheel. Some drivers don’t trust where I am taking them. I can tell by the way they ask at every intersection if they are supposed to turn or keep going. If they want me to tell them the directions, then why don’t they trust I’ll tell them when to turn when the time is right? Why don’t they have faith in me?
One thing that I’ve been wrestling with these past few months has been defining faith. I’m not talking about faith in God in a salvific sense – the faith that it takes to believe and be saved (Rom 10:9-10; Eph 2:8). But I am talking about trusting in God and allowing him to guide the steps I take. Most of this has been plaguing my mind because of graduation, and sometimes I wrestle and wonder if I am just supposed to do what I think best to do, or if I am supposed to wait until I hear what God through the Holy Spirit tells me to do.
Then one day I remembered this passage in Romans 8 (quoted above). If I am loving God and being faithful to walking the way Jesus did, then shouldn’t things work together for my good? I’m not saying that the Holy Spirit doesn’t give me direction, but maybe I have a little bit more decision than I thought.
I think oftentimes I am the person going on with my life asking God at every intersection, “What am I supposed to do?” Am I showing faith in God in those moments, or am I showing a lack of faith because I don’t trust He is guiding what I am doing in those times? As a Pentecostal, I feel as though we fall short here – asking God for everything what He wants to do, when in reality, if we just stay faithful to Him, His will will be done.
Faith and faithfulness have more of a correlation than we give credit.
Ask yourself if you really trust God, or are you using your questions to God as a façade for, “wanting to know His will.” Have faith that God knows where you are at, and that He will give you direction when the time is right. Remain faithful to Him, because you were called by Him. And if you love God and are called by Him heavenward, then believe and know that all things will work together for your good.
BOBERT HILL 
Now, now, Bobby. Don’t diss those who are directionally impaired, including myself, although I would trust you to get me from point A to point B–at least in Springfield. 🙂
On a more serious note, I take comfort in Proverbs 3:5-6 when I start to question decisions that I’ve made or that I’m facing. I could give anecdote after anecdote, but I’ll spare you!
The more I think about this, the more I agree with you.
Is this post about me?
And its not lacking faith in the shotgun guy, but there have been many times when the shotgun guy forgets to mention to give directions at the appropriate moment, thus the driver will likely keep asking for more specific directions. Wait till you are driving in an area you don’t know, and have someone ride shotgun with you and shout out directions; you’ll get to experience the frustration of it. 🙂
Great parallel. This is really encouraging.
Thanks, Lizzie! I’m glad to hear that it encouraged you! It’s been something that’s been on my heart. It was hard trying to shorten it to just a blog.
Great illustration, bro – I love the connection you made. Definitely something we all need to think about.