Way Maker: Finding Direction in the Wilderness

John 14:1–6 CEB

1 “Don’t be troubled. Trust in God. Trust also in me. 2 My Father’s house has room to spare. If that weren’t the case, would I have told you that I’m going to prepare a place for you? 3 When I go to prepare a place for you, I will return and take you to be with me so that where I am you will be too. 4 You know the way to the place I’m going.” 5 Thomas asked, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going. How can we know the way?” 6 Jesus answered, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

Proverbs 3:5–6 CEB

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart; don’t rely on your own intelligence. 6 Know him in all your paths, and he will keep your ways straight.

Way Maker: Finding Direction in the Wilderness

Have you ever been totally and completely lost? I'm not talking about just taking a wrong turn and using GPS to go back. Imagine yourself in the middle of a wilderness without any obvious path. The sun begins to set, and the woods which once brought comfort starts to feel like a maze. You have lost the way. Every tree starts to seem exactly the same, and every direction you turn feels wrong. You realize you're lost and start to panic; your heart starts to race.

Your first instinct is what? Maybe you think "If I just keep walking, I'll find my way out," by retracing your steps. Deeper you go, though, the more you see you are simply going around in circles. The familiar surroundings feel suffocating rather than comfort. You realize that there is no way out of this wilderness without a guide.

This transcends a mere physical experience. Many of us live our lives feeling this way. We're lost, looking for guidance, not sure what's ahead. And the more we try to solve problems on our own, the more we discover we are walking in circles feeling confused, frustrated, and hopeless.

Life is filled with periods of time when we feel like we've lost our way. Whether about your job, your relationship, or even your beliefs, you could be considering a choice. Alternatively it might be a personal problem, a medical condition, or a financial difficulty. Maybe you have been trying everything you can to solve the issue or make the right decision, but the more time you invest, the more you feel lost.

The world teaches us to trust our instincts, choose our own path, and solve problems on our own. When all that fails us, though, what then? When we have no idea which way to turn? We desperately need a guide at these times of doubt and desert wandering. And not any guide—we need a way maker.

The good news is that Jesus offers us such a way. He is the way, not merely someone providing directions. Jesus says, very remarkably, "I am the way and the truth and the life" in John 14:6. Jesus is not providing us with a road map including detailed directions on how to negotiate life on our own. No; He is providing Himself as our guide, accompanying us every stride of the path.

We need someone who knows the way, just like a hiker on a new trail. Someone who has already been where we want to be. Someone who can guide us from uncertainty and into clarity, from wandering and into direction. And this is exactly who Jesus is: the Way Maker who not only guides us through the wilderness of life but also provides us with a purpose and a path to achieve His goals in our life. We are on a journey with a destination when we walk with Jesus, not just drifting along.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight," the Bible states unequivocally during these times of uncertainty (Proverbs 3:5–6). These verses help us to realize that when we rely on God, the Father that He clears the path instead of our own limited points of view. The journey begins with trust and he straightens the twisted routes to guide us out of the wilderness.

So, as we look at what it means for Jesus to be the Way Maker today, let me ask you to consider the areas of your life where you find yourself lost, uncertain, or confused. Perhaps you are deciding on something that seems overwhelming. Perhaps you have been following the same road for years and feel as though you are going nowhere. Or life has thrown a curveball and you have no idea how to negotiate what's next.

Along this road, we will look at what it means to know when we are lost, trust Jesus as the Way, and rely on God's direction even though we cannot see the whole picture. We will also be reminded that Jesus is the One who creates the way when nothing else appears possible wherever we find ourselves. Believing in Jesus helps us to confidently and with faith negotiate the demands of life rather than only get us out of the wilderness.

Lost and Searching - Recognizing When We’re Lost

Imagine a hiker setting out from trailhead, excited about the beautiful day ahead. The sky is clear, the sun is shining, and the trail is well-marked. With confidence, the hiker begins the journey, soaking in the scenery. But somewhere along the way they get lost in the beauty of the moment, they miss an important signpost. Without realizing it, they continue down the wrong path, thinking they’re still headed in the right direction.

For a while, it all seems fine. The trail still looks familiar, the surroundings pleasant. But after a while things start to feel off. The trail becomes harder to follow, and landmarks that should have appeared are nowhere to be found. Slowly, a sense of unease creeps in. The hiker realizes they’re lost.

They try to retrace their steps, but every way they turn looks the same. Then, panic sets in as they walk in circles, tired, frustrated, and unsure of how to get back on the trail. It’s only when they stop, admit they need help, and ask for guidance that they can finally find their way back.

That is what happened to a hiker on the Appalachian trail in 2013. She stepped off the trail for a bathroom break and quickly realized that she was lost. She couldn't find the trail. She setup her tent and decided that she would wait, because someone will come along and find her. Sadly no one did and about a month after she went missing she died there and it wasn't until about 2 years later they found her campsite.

In life, many of us are like that hiker. We set out confidently, thinking we know the way forward, but somewhere along the line, we miss the signs. At first, everything seems fine. We’re making progress, life is moving along. But over time, we realize something’s not right—we’ve strayed off course. We feel the weight of frustration, confusion, and even despair, and we wonder how we got here.

The tricky thing about being lost is that it often happens gradually. It’s not like we wake up one day and instantly know we’re lost. No, it happens through small decisions, distractions, or missed opportunities to seek God’s direction. Maybe it’s the pursuit of success, a relationship that’s taken priority, or simply the busyness of life. Whatever it is, it pulls us off the path God has for us. And before we know it, we’re far from where we intended to be.

In the Bible, the wilderness is often a place of wandering, both physically and spiritually. The Israelites spent 40 years in the desert, not just because they were lost geographically, but because they struggled to trust God’s guidance. They doubted, they disobeyed, they lost sight of the signs pointing them to God’s provision. Much like the hiker who missed the signpost, they ended up wandering longer than they needed to.

But the wilderness isn’t just a physical place—it’s a state of the heart. Many of us find ourselves spiritually wandering, unsure of where we’re headed. We keep moving, hoping to figure things out, but the more we try, the more lost we feel. Like the hiker, it’s only when we stop and admit that we need help that we can find our way forward.

There’s a moment when we have to stop and acknowledge, “I’m lost. I need help.” It’s not easy to admit. We like to believe we’ve got everything under control, that we can figure it out on our own if we just keep pushing forward. But the truth is, without God’s guidance, we’re like the hiker—walking in circles, getting more lost the longer we try to navigate on our own.

This is where Proverbs 3:5-6 speaks to us:

Proverbs 3:5–6 NKJV

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.

When we stop relying on our own instincts and trust in God’s direction, He promises to guide us. He becomes the signpost we missed, showing us the way back to the path He’s laid out for us.

Like the hiker who finally admitted they were lost, we too must come to a point where we recognize that we’ve strayed from God’s path. Whether through distractions, bad decisions, or simply trying to do things in our own strength, we’ve all been there—lost, confused, unsure of the way forward. The first step to finding our way again is to admit that we need Jesus, the Way Maker, to lead us back.

Recognizing that we’re lost is only the beginning. Admitting we need help opens the door for God to lead us, but the real question is: who do we turn to when we’re lost?

When you’re stuck in a maze, you look for the guide who knows the way out. When we’re spiritually lost, confused, or uncertain, we need more than just a general sense of direction—we need someone who knows the way perfectly.

This is where Jesus steps in. He doesn’t just offer a better path or an improved set of instructions. He declares something far more powerful. In John 14:6, Jesus says,

John 14:6 CEB

6 Jesus answered, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

Jesus isn’t just pointing us to the way; He is the way. He is the one who leads us out of our lostness, not just through good advice or moral teaching, but through His very presence in our lives.

Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life

When Jesus said, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life" in John 14:6, He wasn’t simply laying out a list of rules or giving us a map to follow. Instead, He was making a bold and personal claim: He is the answer to our deepest longings and confusion. In those moments when life feels like a wilderness and we’re not sure which direction to take, Jesus isn’t just handing us instructions—He’s stepping in to guide us Himself. He’s the one who leads us from darkness and uncertainty into God’s light and purpose.

Jesus Is the Way

What does it mean for Jesus to be "the way"? It’s not just about Him pointing out the right direction; it means He is the path itself. Many of us go through life searching for clarity—whether it’s about our relationships, careers, or personal struggles—and we hope God will just give us a roadmap. But Jesus does something even better. Instead of giving us a list of directions, He invites us to walk closely with Him, step by step. It’s a personal relationship where He guides us through our choices, actions, and challenges. Trusting Jesus as the way means giving Him control, not just of the next decision, but of our entire journey.

Picture yourself hiking a mountain trail on a foggy day. You can barely see a few feet ahead, and it’s hard to know where the trail leads. Then, out of nowhere, a guide shows up—someone who knows the trail inside and out. You don’t need to know every twist and turn anymore. All you have to do is trust the guide and follow them. Jesus is like that guide in our lives. We may not always see or understand what’s ahead, but trusting Him as our guide brings us peace and assurance that we’re headed in the right direction.

Jesus Is the Truth

In a world where we’re bombarded with opinions, half-truths, and outright lies, we need something solid to anchor us. Jesus isn’t just one truth among many—He is the truth. His life, His words, and His presence reveal the reality of God’s love and purpose for us.

Often, when we feel lost, it’s because we’ve been led astray by false ideas—whether about who we are, what we need to be happy, or whether God really cares about us. But when we follow Jesus, the truth, we begin to see clearly again. He frees us from the lies that keep us wandering in circles.

In John 8:32, Jesus said, “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” The truth He offers isn’t just head knowledge—it’s the kind of truth that liberates us from fear, guilt, and hopelessness.

Jesus Is the Life

Walking with Jesus doesn’t just give us direction or clarity; it fills us with life—true, abundant life. Sometimes, the struggles of life leave us feeling drained and empty, like we’re stuck in a spiritual drought. But Jesus promises that when we’re connected to Him, we will thrive, even in difficult seasons. He’s not just a guide for survival—He is the source of life itself. His life renews us, strengthens us, and helps us grow even in the hardest times.

Think about a tree planted by a river. Even if the land around it dries up, the tree stays strong and healthy because its roots are connected to the water. That’s what Jesus offers us. When we’re rooted in Him, even during our toughest seasons—those wilderness moments—He gives us the strength to keep growing and flourishing.

When Jesus says, “I am the way, the truth, and the life,” He’s offering more than just a quick fix or some helpful advice. He’s offering Himself. Following Him leads us out of confusion and into purpose, clarity, and true life.

The real question is: Are we willing to trust Him? Will we let go of our plans and allow Him to be our guide, our foundation, and the source of our life?

Now that we understand Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life, the next step is learning to trust Him to lead us. It’s one thing to recognize that He’s the ultimate guide, but fully depending on Him for all our decisions can be tough. We like to feel in control, to know exactly what’s ahead before we take that first step of faith. But Proverbs 3:5-6 challenges us to trust in a deeper way: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.”

This is where things get real—letting go of our need to know every detail and trusting God, even when we don’t have all the answers. It’s about leaning not on what makes sense to us, but on God’s wisdom, even when the path isn’t clear. Let’s take a closer look at what it means to trust His guidance rather than relying on our own understanding.

Trusting God’s Direction

When life feels uncertain, it’s natural to rely on what we can see, understand, and control. We like to map out our steps, expecting life to follow our plan. But as we all know, life rarely sticks to the script. Unexpected challenges, detours, and confusing moments throw us off course, leaving us feeling lost.

This is where Proverbs 3:5-6 challenges us: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Trusting God with all our hearts means trusting Him completely—not just when it’s convenient or when things are going smoothly. We’re told not to lean on our understanding, which requires us to step away from our limited view and trust that God sees the bigger picture.

Think about what it means to “lean” on something. If you lean on something weak or unsteady, it won’t support you. But when we lean on God, we’re putting our weight—our worries, decisions, and uncertainties—on something solid and unshakable. Trusting God’s direction means acknowledging that His understanding is far greater than ours, even when we don’t have all the answers.

In a culture that celebrates self-sufficiency and independence, trusting in God can feel counterintuitive. We’re taught to be in control, to figure things out, and to make calculated decisions. But Proverbs reminds us that God is the one who ultimately directs our paths. This doesn’t mean we stop making decisions or taking responsibility, but it means we submit those decisions to God, trusting that He knows the best way to lead us.

Think of it like using a GPS in an unfamiliar place. You rely on the GPS because it sees the bigger picture—the roads, the traffic, the best routes. But unlike a GPS, God not only knows the way forward, He also cares deeply about our well-being and purpose. Trusting God is like following a perfect guide who not only knows where to go but cares about us along the way.

To trust God’s direction is to give up the illusion of control and surrender to His perfect will. It’s a daily decision to trust that He will provide, that He knows the way, and that His plan is better than anything we could come up with. And with that trust comes the promise: He will “make your paths straight.” He’ll bring clarity where there’s confusion, purpose where there’s none, and peace where there’s unrest.

This trust doesn’t mean the road will always be smooth. There will still be twists, turns, and challenges. But as long as we’re following His lead, we can be confident that we’re on the right path, no matter how uncertain it may feel. Trusting God means believing that, even in the wilderness, He’s guiding us toward a future filled with hope and purpose.

Following the Way Maker

As we wrap up today, I want to invite you to take a moment to think about where you are on your journey. Life can often feel like wandering through a wilderness—confusing, overwhelming, and sometimes just plain exhausting. We’ve all had moments when we feel lost, like we’re just going in circles, unsure of where to turn next. But here’s the good news: Jesus, the Way Maker, is right there with us in the middle of that wilderness, ready to lead us.

He’s not just a guide who points out the right path—He is the way. He steps into our confusion, our pain, and even our wandering, and He clears a path forward. When lies and doubts creep in, He is the truth we can hold onto. When we’re feeling drained and hopeless, He is the life that brings us renewal and purpose.

So today, the question is simple: Will you trust Him? Will you choose to follow the Way Maker, even when you can’t see the whole road ahead? In Proverbs 3:5-6, we’re reminded to “trust in the Lord with all your heart” and to let go of relying on our own understanding. That’s not always easy, but when we do, God leads us to peace, purpose, and life.

If you’re feeling lost today—maybe unsure of your next step, or just overwhelmed by everything around you—know that Jesus is inviting you to follow Him. He’s asking you to let go of the need to control everything, to stop relying only on yourself, and to trust that He knows the way. Whether you’re facing a big decision or just feeling weighed down by uncertainty, you don’t have to navigate it alone. The Way Maker is with you, and He promises to guide you and straighten your path.

As we close, I encourage you to take that step today: to trust Jesus, to follow Him. He’s ready to lead you, to give you the direction you’ve been looking for, and to fill your life with the peace only He can give. Let’s decide today to follow the Way Maker, trusting that wherever He leads, He will guide us safely home.