Like Walking Through Myst

Back in the 90's there was this really cool computer game called Myst. Well, most of my siblings thought it was cool, I however hated it. The objective was unclear, there wasn't a map or a specific set of rules, the game simply started and you had to explore. Along the way you'd collect items that pointed you to other worlds called "Ages" that you'd need to explore and collect more items...and so on as the picture of the purpose of this game slowly came into focus. And it drove me crazy! Like fumbling along in the dark...err...mist...which I think explains the name.

Lately this game has been coming back to my mind. I've been stepping out into a new area God's calling me, at least I think he is, and it's caused a bit of fumbling. I'm not too sure how to achieve the goal in front of me--not even 100% sure of what it is, though I have an idea--and each morning I find myself searching for another piece. It reminded me of this game. Which, as I thought more about it, made me realize how much this game is like our walk with God. (So I guess that means I have to admit at times this walk drives me crazy. Because it can. It does. Like right at this moment.)

I am a person who would like a map. I like order and purpose. All of which God is, only he doesn't always reveal those things in our lives. Oh, he knows the purpose for which he created us, but sometimes we have to stumble a bit in the dark to start discovering it. How do we handle this?

It's called faith.

We walk by faith, not by sight. (2 Corinthians 5:7) We know that God has ordained our steps (Proverbs 20:24) and makes them sure (Psalm 37:23). He has a purpose (Psalm 138:8) and a plan for our lives (Jeremiah 29:11). And he will never fail you. (Deuteronomy 31:6).

That I'm able to recall all those verses reiterates something to me: My life is indeed very similar to the game I used to hate. As I've stumbled and moved around my daily life, God's given me little pieces of discovery. I've also collected verses and sharpened a few skills. All these things I carry with me and slowly, ever so slowly, the picture of my purpose here has started to crystallize. (And, bonus, this process has only drawn me closer to God. Which makes me only slightly less crazy.)

How about you? Ever feel like you're taking a stab in the dark? This isn't the first time I have, and though I'm sure I'll never feel completely comfortable in these situations, one thing I am 100% sure of: He'll slowly clear that mist away as I draw closer to him, and he'll do the same for you! Seek him and he will be found (Deuteronomy 4:29). I'm not the only one promising it...he is:)