Toward the end of His earthly ministry, as Jesus began preparing to leave the disciples, He tried to reassure them. “You know the way to the place where I am going,” He told them (John 14:4). But Thomas, understandably, was a bit confused.

“Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” he asked (John 14:5). I can just picture the scene—probably because Thomas’s question is one I’ve asked many times. I know the way? What? I’m completely clueless! The next steps of my life are one giant question mark, Lord. I don’t have an idea where You’re taking me, so how am I supposed to figure out the way?

It’s a scary place to be. Not knowing what lies ahead can be exciting and adventurous at times, but it can also be disconcerting when you don’t have a plan for the future—especially if others are constantly asking you about it!

Jesus was quick to answer Thomas’s question…but in an unexpected way. “I am the way and the truth and the life,” He said (John 14:6). I imagine Thomas might have been a little bit like me—hoping for a step-by-step plan of the next several years. Perhaps he wanted a strategic outline of how the disciples were supposed to accomplish all the work left to do. Or perhaps he was expecting a detailed map of the exact path to heaven all marked out for him. But instead, Jesus told him, “I am the Way.”

As I reflect on that simple exchange between Thomas and Jesus, I’m reminded of a simple yet profound truth—one that’s easily overlooked. I don’t need to know every twist and turn of the road ahead, but I do need to know where the road I’m on is ultimately headed. I don’t need to know the exact way the path leads…but I definitely need to know the Way, Jesus.

So many Christians today love to quote Jeremiah 29:11, clinging to the promise that God has a specific plan for their lives. But when we stop there, we miss the context, and the beauty of verse 13: “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart” (emphasis added). Yes, God has a plan for us, but the point is not to seek that plan. We’re instructed to seek God, and trust Him to guide our steps. When we pursue a step-by-step to-do list instead of a relationship with our Creator and Savior, we’ve missed the boat!

--Amy Kaylor

Instead of pursuing the path or the plan, pursue the Way—each day, seek to know and love Jesus more!