Charting a new path is scary and exciting. Unknown adventures await. Letting go of the past, letting go of what is known is unsettling. Trusting that God is doing something new is challenging.

I set out snowshoeing in the forest across the street. I have done this countless times over the last two decades. There was a new sign at the start of the trail. It said no motorized vehicles. Typically, the trials are paved by snowmobiles making the journey obvious and clear.

This time there were no snowmobile tracks. I headed out assuming I knew where I was going. Then the landmarks looked different. Deer tracks gave seemingly new choices. Right or left? Unsure, I went left assuming I would reach a known path. After going much further than I intended, there was a new intersection. Now which way? This time I went right in hopes of circling back toward where I started. I knew I could always backtrack, but I hate backtracking.

“Forget about what’s happened;
    don’t keep going over old history.
Be alert, be present. I’m about to do something brand-new.
    It’s bursting out! Don’t you see it?
There it is! I’m making a road through the desert,
    rivers in the badlands.
Wild animals will say ‘Thank you!’
    —the coyotes and the buzzards—
Because I provided water in the desert,
    rivers through the sunbaked earth,
Drinking water for the people I chose,
    the people I made especially for myself,
    a people custom-made to praise me. (Isaiah 43:18-21 MSG).

I came up to a trail map. Certain of the way out now, I followed the deer tracks only to find myself on a familiar path, but not the one I expected to find. This is also my faith journey – charting new paths. I weave my way down the path thinking life is going in one direction when God simply, quietly nudges me to go left instead of right. There have been times when God has clearly said, “I’m doing a new thing.” Trusting He is working in and through me is not always easy, but in hindsight it has always worked out for the best.

Do you trust God when he’s charting a new path for you? Share your story here and breathe life and bring hope to others.