Hindsight

Hindsight

I hear it from people of all faiths, from various worldviews and religious traditions. We all seem to want God’s will, by whatever name we may call it. Admittedly, some hold a more fatalistic outlook and say things like, “If it’s meant to be…”  (Do you ever wonder who it is that’s doing the “meaning?”)  Others see a more direct correlation between our actions, past or present, and what happens to us. This is karma.

But what I want to consider is not what lies behind us, but what we’re seeking on the path ahead. Like I said, we all seem to want God’s will. We believe that’s best, don’t we, because we really do believe God is good. And who wouldn’t want what’s best for?

I’ve asked that many, many times, in many situations. Sometimes I’ve gotten clear answers. Other times I’ve heard nothing and did what seemed best. What I really want is a blueprint. I want clear instructions so I can follow them. Just tell me what to do and I’ll do it, Lord. Lay out the plan for my life.

Lately I’ve been thinking, though, that God’s plan is not detected so much in the blueprint as in the footsteps. How often have I looked back and realized, “Oh, so that’s what You were doing!”  I was in God’s will all along and didn’t even know it. But now, looking back, I can see where I’ve been, where God has taken me. And it makes sense.

Should I have known sooner? Could I have? I think faith realizes that we don’t have to know up front. After all, we’re not asked to believe in the plan; we’re asked to believe in God. If I trust that God loves me, even if the journey is unpleasant, I know God will bring about good things. And that good includes my good, but is not exclusive to my own interests. That is better than good.

I like looking back every now and again. It makes sense of the present, and I can see that God makes sense out of the senseless and makes the pain worth it when we see its outcome. And the best part? It helps me trust God for the future.