Information vs. Knowledge

“Information is not knowledge.” –Albert Einstein

Growing up in a Christian household, I felt as if I had plenty of “information.”

I knew all the right answers about who God is and about the stories of the bible. I could reply properly to questioning and I was confident in what the “Christian response” ought to be. My own personal answers, though, seemed at times to be a bit different. I had all the right information, but it hadn't yet converted to knowledge, to belief. I could give you the proper answers, but I hadn't internally begun to believe them.

As I grew into young adulthood- a time in life of crossroads and decisions- I experienced God’s guidance to be one of the most-stressed traits by family, friends, and pastors.

“You don’t know where you want to go to school? Don’t you worry, God will guide you.” 

“You’re not sure what you want to study? I’m sure God will guide your decision.” 

Most recently, what I've heard is this:

“You don’t know what you want to do with your life after you graduate? That’s ok, God will guide you.”

Though each time I have recognized these responses to be the proper Christian answer, I've never felt any guidance from God in my decisions. Instead I've felt lost, alone, and afraid that without help I’ll always make the wrong choice.

At this point in time, what to do with life after graduation seems to be the most eminent decision in my life- it is the climax of choices, the path that will pave the way for the rest of my days. Maybe it only seems this way because I’m currently trying to make it, but it is nevertheless intimidating. I have a world of opportunities in front me and no idea how to pick a single one.

For months and months my indecision about life post-graduation not only created anxiety, but also intense pressure as I realized my choice affected the people around me: my family, friends, and boyfriend.

My thoughts terrorized me daily saying, “Your choice affects everyone else who cares about you, too, so make the right one.”

Not exactly encouraging, right?

Sometimes I would become so paralyzed by fear that I would sob uncontrollably, pleading with God for guidance, telling him I was too afraid to move. Sadly, I eventually became resentful in these moments because I felt ignored; I never heard any answers from the Lord and I felt as lost as I did before I went to him in prayer.  Sometimes I even felt worse.

One morning I became even more discouraged than usual, and I decided to turn to the Word. Maybe God wouldn't answer me through prayer, but perhaps I could find answers and comfort in the words of the bible. As God always does, he met me where I was and gave me answers, though they weren't the ones for which I originally began searching. This is what I found:

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6

“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” Proverbs 16:9

I read these and realized I had a gap in my understanding of what it meant to be guided by God. I would pray in times of uncertainty and say, “Lord I pray you guide me in this decision,” but what I was really saying was, “Lord, tell me what to choose and I’ll choose it.”

I didn't want guidance, I wanted answers.

I wasn't truly believing in the power of God! Somehow I thought that if I didn't know exactly where I was going then I’d mess it up. I didn't believe God’s guidance could overpower my obliviousness to the end result of his plan. I may have wanted to be in line with God’s will, but I hadn't put my trust in it- I was convinced that I had to know it and understand it to assure that I followed through with it.

If I truly believed in the wisdom and power of the Lord, wouldn't my willing heart be enough to assure me that God will guide me?

I think back to the simple words Jesus spoke to acquire his disciples: “Follow me.” There were no specifications or details, but merely an invitation to follow him. In fact, the lack of complexity in these interactions has always struck me.

“As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew…’Come, follow me,’ Jesus said, ‘and I will send you out to fish for people.’ At once they left their nets and followed him. Going on from there he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John…Jesus called them and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.” Matthew 4:18-22

“As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector’s booth. “Follow me,” he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him.” Matthew 9:9

These men didn't need any explanations from Jesus, but solely the security that came with being led by the Lord. Likewise, Jesus didn't need to provide the disciples with a detailed map of their journey- he merely needed a willing heart.

Decisions may still be intimidating and crossroads frightening, but I too can have the same security as the disciples did, knowing that I am being purposefully guided by God. Though sometimes I may not see clearly where I am being led, I am called to live by faith and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). If I am going to trust anyone wholly with my steps, better the Lord than myself.

God can guide all those who are lost; all he needs is a willing heart.