At a Crossroads: Trusting the Unknown

I'm sure you've heard the analogy people use about the fork in the road and not knowing which path to take. It paints such a clear image in my mind, yet I feel like it's always been so philosophical and high-level that I haven't really understood the feelings that come along with being the one sitting at that dead stop looking in two directions.

Until recently, that is. I was sitting at a career crossroads, and it was a hard decision. There were risks about both directions and also possible rewards. I so badly wished I could have a crystal ball to see down each road to know what those paths would look like in 10 years. At the end of the day, I knew that wasn't going to happen. Instead, I had to turn to faith and my purpose.

It's funny, because I literally have the word "Faith" tatooed on my foot. It's for a few reasons, one of which is to serve as a reminder that, through every moment of life, the best thing I can do is to trust that the One who made me will always hold me in His hand and lead me in the direction of the purpose for which He created me.

Yet sometimes I still seem to forget that I don't have to make all these decisions on my own, and that leaning on God's goodness and faithfulness not only takes pressure off but ensures I am listening to the plans He has for me.

"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

This verse was the quote I chose to include in my high school senior yearbook. It's such a comfort to know God does have plans for each one of us. When we are at a fork in the road, no matter which direction we choose, we are taking one step closer to the purpose we were called to live.

Really all God asks of us is to take just that one step, and He'll handle the rest. It isn't easy to walk blindly, but going only a short distance at a time might make it more manageable. It's also a comfort to know that even if a choice we make ends in a "Wrong Way" sign and inevitable u-turn, God will always use it to further us as His people, as well as further His kingdom on earth.

Basically, we really can't go wrong as long as we keep moving and hold tight to the truth of God's faithful nature.

Friends, I want you to know that if you have experienced a crossroads in your life (or are presented with one right now!), I see you, and you are not alone. I know those times of uncertainty can come with the tendency to worry and lose sleep and fear, but my prayer for you is that you surrender the decision to God. Take that small step and trust that He will not steer you wrong from there. Find comfort and confidence knowing He is on your side and walking right there with you.

As for my recent career crossroads? I took what I perceived to be the bigger leap of faith. I had felt God calling me in this direction for quite some time, and He was just patiently waiting for me to be ready to do a true trust fall.

I have to be honest, though, and tell you that part of what compelled me to put this post out there was that despite being "past" the crossroads, I still don't feel fully comfortable with my decision. Not because I think it was the wrong one, but because I am feeling the weight of some of the risks, and I still can't clearly see where I'm going.

However, I think that is the beauty of walking by faith and not by sight. I don't have to know the ultimate destination to enjoy the ride. So, I'm choosing to live in the moment and use this opportunity to grow and discern further where God is calling me, trusting that, in this unknown time, He is in control.

I'm excited to continue updating you as I learn more along this journey. If you're at a crossroads, I'd love to connect with you to offer my support and hear how I can be praying for you!