I was driving through thick, heavy mist. I knew my way home – or at least, Google Maps did.

As I drove further in, the street lamps seemed to dance around me. In fact, those bauble-like lights were all I saw in a sea of soft, willowy grey.

The toll gates glowed like stadium lights. I imagined they were throwing each motorist a heavenly welcome home party.

Then I realised I couldn’t see very far ahead. Maybe a few metres at a time. The road was obscured by more fog descending.

It made me think about faith.

When you can’t see what’s ahead

Sometimes we can’t see very far in front either. We’re a little afraid, but trusting we’ll be able to see just that bit further at a time. Enough to navigate our way forward safely.

The hard thing? We don’t know what tragedy or misfortune might take us by surprise. And we sure don’t know if what we’re dreaming of will eventuate.

Sometimes we’re on a road of faith where we feel God is leading us in a certain direction, but the pieces of the puzzle don’t seem to be forming. We’re on the path. We have a rough idea what we think God is saying. But everything seems to be coming against us. And when we try to explain our vision or God’s calling to people, it just doesn’t make sense.

But we keep trusting.

Or do we?

Is it as simple as just trusting?

Faith isn’t a feeling

Here’s the awesome thing about faith: it need not be based on feelings. Faith isn’t a feeling as such, but conviction of the evidence.

So what’s the evidence? What are we sure of?

God has proven his love and once-for-all redemption of us, his kids, by sending his son, Jesus:

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)

He’s proven that the power he demonstrated in rising from the dead after enduring the agony of the cross is alive in us also – so that in whatever he asks us to do, we have his power and strength:

“The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.” (Romans 8:11 NLT)

He’s promised to guide us, while at the same time meeting all our needs and enabling us to thrive:

“The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land, and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.” (Isaiah 58:11)

Do you believe this? That God is who he says he is?

He’s already done what we needed him to do. We’re already redeemed, already secure in a relationship with him. We know he’s real. Death has been conquered.

There’s really nothing to be afraid of when we’re completely surrendered to him. But we still get scared sometimes, don’t we?

But it helps to remind ourselves of the evidence. And to know he’s preparing a home in heaven for us when we’re done.

The fog has a purpose

God is ahead of me on the road I’m driving, making a clearing, bit by bit. Maybe he hasn’t revealed everything now because he wants me to acknowledge it’s indeed a faith journey. Not just to choose the fuzzy feelings of generalised faith, but to take a look myself at the evidence of him. Of his promises.

I can’t see far ahead for a reason. If I did, I’d probably speed on in my own strength.

Sometimes we hit patches where it seems clear – things are good. But then the fog descends again, and we start to doubt.

Isn’t this the nature of the journey?

God does have a plan for you and me. One that involves our gifts and our hearts. He’s the King of our hearts, and will lead wisely. Lovingly. We’re an integral part of his plan for this broken world. He’s gracious like that. Gracious to foggy drivers like me.

And not only that.

He promises never to leave me at the wheel. He’ll always be by my side, every bit of the way.

Better than any map on earth.