Blind Trust
(Twila Belk)
Years ago, my young son Ryan joined me as I ran errands. Our first stop was the bank, and I steered into the drive-through lane behind a beige Mercedes-Benz. An Afghan hound with flowing blond hair protruded its head from the back window and happily observed the surrounding activity. How appropriate to have a fancy dog in a fancy car. Earlier in the week I had thought the same thing when I saw the car and dog in town.
Curious, I turned to Ryan behind me and said, “What’s up with that dog?”
“Well, Mom, maybe it’s a seeing-eye dog.”
Why didn’t I think of that before? That’s it! The driver is blind!
Just then a crazy scenario filled my mind: Mr. Fancy Dog barks once if the traffic light is red. He barks twice if the light turns green. And he howls if there’s a pothole to avoid.
Silly as it is, that mental picture reminded me of these words in Isaiah 42:16: “I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them” (NIV). God gave these promises to a different people at a different time, but they apply to us today.
That’s good news because we often face situations that make us feel like that blind driver. It could be a life-altering decision. A transition into new territory. Serious health challenges. A different job. The birth of a baby. The death of a close family member or friend. Divorce. The mission field. Anything that takes us into a strange environment.
When thrown into the unfamiliar, we don’t know what obstacles or surprises or dangers lie ahead. Our creative imaginations might leave us wandering in the what-ifs. Fears and uncertainties might try to paralyze us.
We can take courage in knowing that we have a seeing-eye God who promises to lead and guide us. Even if we’re clueless about what to do or where to go, we can trust the One giving directions. Our unfamiliar paths are not unfamiliar to Him.
Are you facing unknowns right now? Does the way before you seem dark? Are you stumbling through a lot of rough patches? Cling to God and let His promises encourage you.
- Light through His Word: Psalm 119:105 says, "Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path" (NIV).
- His presence: "So do not fear, for I am with you" (Isaiah 41:10 NIV).
- Prayer: Knowing God listens, cares, and is trustworthy gives confidence and hope.
- His Spirit: The Holy Spirit plays many roles in our lives, including guide, helper, advocate, comforter, and counselor.
- Wisdom, discernment, and revelation: God will give it, if we ask.
- Timing: God often uses the timing of circumstances and words of others to guide and direct us.
- Promises: One of many is found in Proverbs 3:5–6. If we trust Him with all our hearts and acknowledge Him in all our ways, He will direct our paths.
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