“Never be afraid  
to trust an  
unknown future  
to a  
known God.”  
Corrie ten Boom

There are moments in my life when I wish God would simply tell me what’s coming next. I want the road ahead to be clearly marked. I want to know which direction to take, what decisions to make, and how everything will eventually turn out. Instead, I sometimes find myself driving in a dense fog, able to see only a short distance ahead. Perhaps this is where faith begins.

I have come to recognize how much energy I can spend trying to control life. I make plans, anticipate problems, and imagine how circumstances should unfold. Sometimes I even want to manage the choices of the people around me, believing I know what would be best for them. Beneath much of this desire for control is fear. If I can control what happens, perhaps I can protect myself and those I love from disappointment, suffering, or uncertainty. But life continually reminds me that I am not in control.

Ignatian spirituality invites me to respond differently. There is a better question to ask than “How can I control this situation?” Instead, I have the option to ask, “Where is God in this?” Asking this question changes everything.

Discernment does not necessarily give me a clear picture of the future. Instead, it asks me to pay attention to God’s movement within the reality of my life as it is today. What is bringing me greater faith, hope, love, and serenity? What is leading me toward generosity and peace? What is pulling me toward fear, resentment, or self-centeredness? God may not reveal the entire road, but God can help me recognize the next appropriate step.

This requires accepting my powerlessness, which is not always easy. Embracing powerlessness does not mean becoming helpless or passive. It means acknowledging what is, rather than continually fighting against what I cannot change. I can say, “This is where I am. This is the reality before me. What is God inviting me to do with it?”

Sometimes the bravest thing we can say is, “Lord, I don’t know where you’re leading me, but I trust you.” For me, this is a prayer of surrender and discernment. I am not asking God to guarantee that everything will happen according to my plans. I am asking for the grace to recognize God’s presence wherever the road leads.

Faith is not believing that the fog will suddenly dissipate. Faith is discovering that God is present within the fog.

I may not know what tomorrow will bring. I may not be able to control the circumstances or people around me. I can, however, remain attentive. I can pray. I can listen. I can discern. I can acknowledge the reality of what is and choose how I will move forward. And when I cannot see the destination, I can ask for the grace to take just one more step.

Where is God in this? Maybe God is right here — walking with me into the uncertainty.