Life often requires us to go down paths not of our own choosing. While we might prefer the safer and more predictable road, we must often go through many alleys of uncertainty. And here we must learn to exercise a deeper faith and practice of hope.
Of course, we understand life is an adventure and that we must face many unknowns along the way. But we generally still try to plot the most reasonable course through the storms of life, and we’re willing to follow the advice of those who have had similar experiences. This helps to give us some reassurance even if there are no absolute guarantees.
What’s more difficult to navigate is a path we didn’t choose, cannot control, and filled with much danger. This is going down a dark alley rather than staying on the main road.
For instance, this might be the uncertainty that follows family drama, marital dissatisfaction and disconnection, or our children pursuing lifestyles and relationships that we do not approve of.
Whatever it looks like, we’re well aware of the risks and potential for disastrous outcomes. And yet here we are all the same. Wishing things were different doesn’t change what is. And so we must enter these dark alleys in hope – trusting God is with us and will show us the way through.
To be sure, we’re already defeated when we go in angry and hopeless. This blinds us to the light and the ways this alley can be redeeming. While we didn’t choose this path, it’s still up to us to live by faith on it. And by faith God can use all the twists and turns of this alley to work out something good and beyond what we can even imagine.
In the end, keep your eyes on God when you’re walking through alleys of uncertainty. While the path is risky and dangerous, God is more than able to see you through it all.
Photo by Oscar Chevillard on Unsplash
