Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths (Proverbs 3:5, 6, ESV).

Barreling down the freeway toward Grandma and Grandpa’s house, I heard the dreaded “low fuel” warning come on. I knew, but had forgotten, that the gas was low. Fortunately, a gas station was just ahead and not too far off the beaten path. It would delay our arrival by only a few minutes. I could make it to the station, but might not make it to my grandparents’ if I didn’t stop.

When I announced the detour, the back end of my family Truckster erupted in cries of despair: “We’re going the wrong way!” My kids were familiar with the route to Grandma and Grandpa’s; they recognized a wrong turn when they saw it.

I think of this brief exchange often these days. In many ways — in virtually every way — it feels as though our nation is going the wrong way. Up is down. Wrong is right. Good is evil. Evil is good. It doesn’t seem possible that this is the way God has ordained for us. I hear a lot of despair as people lament that we are going the wrong way. I feel it too. But here’s the thing: God is in control.

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11).

I was in control of my vehicle during that drive to my grandparents’ place; I was not asleep at the wheel. I did not have a lapse in lucidity. Yes, we were momentarily going the wrong way. But that detour was crucial. If we didn’t gas up, we might be in a real jam down the road. I had to prepare us for the whole journey, not just for the moment.

So it is with today’s wild departure from all things Christian. God is not asleep at the wheel. He hasn’t lost track of us. I am coming to believe that He is preparing us. He knows far better than we do what lies ahead and what we need in the journey. God is faithful. His Word is true!

The question is, Do we trust Him? He has ordained each one of us to be a part of history (His story) at this exact time. We need not fear that we will be lost along the way or that we will never make it. We simply need to cling to God’s promises, knowing that He is trustworthy. Come what may, He will see us through.

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10).