Episode 9: Unmapped
Trusting God When the Road Shifts
There’s something disorienting about following a path with confidence… only to realize it’s not the one God ultimately intended. That’s where I found myself — over a year into pursuing a path that God laid before me, that felt right, that looked like the logical next step. I had taken steps toward becoming a counselor, deeply believing I was following God’s will.
And then the path shifted directions…
In this week’s Rooted for Growth episode, I share the story of that turning point — the moment where I had to lay down my assumptions, open my hands, and say, “Lord, show me where You want me to go now.”
It was humbling. And a little scary.
But it was also the start of something better.
The Map I Thought I Had
I had a plan. Counseling felt like the right road — a calling rooted in helping others, stewarding my own story, and honoring the healing work God had done in me. But I started to realize… the path was changing… the road began to feel… uneven. Closed doors. Internal restlessness. A sense that maybe I was forcing what God wasn’t forming.
At first, I resisted the change. I wanted the map. I wanted certainty.
But the deeper I prayed, the more I sensed the Spirit asking me to walk by faith — to go where there was no map.
When God Calls You Into the Unknown
There’s a powerful story in Hebrews 11:8, where it says:
“By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.” (KJV)
Like Abraham, I was being asked to obey without details. To move forward without answers. And to trust that God wasn’t punishing me — He was preparing me.
Isaiah 42:16 also reminded me of God’s character:
“And I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known…”
God wasn’t lost. I was just learning to follow with faith, not familiarity.
Delighting in the Journey, Not Just the Destination
One verse anchored me through it all:
“The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way.” — Psalm 37:23 (KJV)
This verse doesn’t promise a straight path — but it does promise a faithful Guide. Even in the detours, God delights in walking with us. Every twist in my journey, every “no” or redirection, was actually an invitation to go deeper with Him.
Rooted Reflections
If you’re walking through a season where the map has gone missing…
If what once felt clear now feels uncertain…
If you're grieving the loss of a path you thought was right...
Let me gently encourage you:
You are not off-course.
You are not alone.
And you are not being punished — you’re being invited to trust.
God orders our steps. Not our shortcuts. Not our timelines. But our steps. One at a time.
Want to Explore Your Own Path?
As I shape the new Pathfinder Program, I’d love your help.
I’ve created a 5-question quiz to help men like you identify where you are in your spiritual journey — whether you're scouting new territory or blazing ahead with purpose. I would love your feedback as I continue to build this program to help men become better husbands, fathers and followers of Christ.
🎯 Take the Pathfinder Quiz Here
Your insight will help me make this tool even better for those seeking clarity and direction.
Stay rooted,
–Troy
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