One reason the Lord gives us instructions concerning the future while withholding certain details is because if we were to know too much too soon, we’d plant our feet into the ground like belligerent donkeys and refuse to move.

His plans are often far more extensive and remarkable than we imagine, and to know too much would frighten us senseless. We’d either turn tail and run or become paralyzed. We all like to know what’s ahead, but it’s often better to go on blind faith.

During wartime, sea captains are sometimes required to journey with sealed orders. Before setting sail, the commander is given a sealed document that he opens only after the vessel is out of contact with the shore.

Because he’s under oath as an officer, he has to comply without question with whatever instructions are written inside. Sometimes, those instructions consist of only longitude and latitude coordinates. Turning back isn’t an option even when the orders seem ambiguous or dangerous.

Sometimes, God gives us sealed orders, and we realize “too late” that God’s plan includes some task that terrifies us (public speaking or a financial investment, for example). The cost of turning back is now too high. Moving forward seems preferable simply because of the distance under our belt.

Today, if you’re past the point of no return, thank God for His shrewdness in not revealing too much too soon, and determine to press on with bold faith.

“By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed and went out to a place he was going to receive as an inheritance. He went out, not knowing where he was going” (Heb. 11:8).