Proof, Faith, and the Backroads

Where’s the data to support that?

If I’ve asked it once, I’ve asked it a thousand times.

As a trained researcher with a foundation of logic and process, I always seek proof when presented with new information.

That personality trait often collides with the faithful woman who ultimately defines me.

It’s like two voices live inside me:

“That may be possible, but it isn’t probable,” says the side that demands facts.

“Well, it may not be probable, but we’re not privy to God’s plan,” my faithful side answers back.

“I don’t know if I can make this happen. It’s too complicated, and I don’t have any support."

“Life may be complicated, but it’s not up to me to figure out the details when His plan is at work.”

And this inner dialogue has played out more times than I can count.

After a lifetime of this back and forth, faith has won.

Why?

Because I’ve seen it too many times, how God moves in ways that defy logic.

My mind can’t comprehend the map He’s working with.

I think I’m driving down the Interstate, intent on the fastest route to my destination.

Then He pulls me onto the backroads.

“Recalculating,” my internal GPS insists.

He slows me over potholes and detours me toward unexpected sights.

“Recalculating,” my GPS nearly screams.

Finally, I stop fighting and start noticing.

The journey I thought was unplanned, unbearable, or downright unnecessary becomes, depending on the day, unexpectedly beautiful, enlightening, or even incredible.

And some days, I admit, I don’t know how I’ll survive.

He wants me to learn, grow, and be humbled by the experiences and the people He brings into, and sometimes, removes from my life.

Sometimes that feels like a slow and possibly painful ride to nowhere, and sometimes it unfolds miraculously.

In the end, His red-lined map, twisting every way but straight, always gets me exactly where I need to be.

And for that beautiful mess, I’m grateful.