I remember the first time I looked at a set of architectural blueprints. They were covered with symbols, lines, and markings that meant absolutely nothing to me. There was even a legend at the bottom explaining what each symbol represented, but it still didn't make sense. I simply didn't have the understanding needed to interpret that particular blueprint.

The contractor, on the other hand, looked at those same drawings and knew exactly what they meant.

At first, I assumed he had always known how to read blueprints.

Of course, he hadn't.

Someone had taught him. Through instruction and experience, he learned what each symbol meant until he could reliably build what the architect had designed.

Years later, I realized life with God often feels the same way.

Proverbs 20:24 says, "A person's steps are directed by the Lord. How then can anyone understand their own way?"

Sometimes we become frustrated because we can't make sense of the plans God has for our lives. We want to know where He's leading us and why. We want the blueprint to make sense before we take the next step.

But what if the problem isn't the blueprint?

What if we're simply still learning how to read it?

Just as someone had to teach the contractor how to interpret the architect's plans, God teaches us how to recognize His direction over time. Through Scripture. Through experience. Through seasons of listening, trusting, and obeying. Little by little, what once seemed confusing begins to make sense.

The lessons we learn today become the understanding we need for tomorrow.

Every experience, every act of obedience, every season of growth helps us interpret the next layer of the blueprint a little more clearly.

I don't know about you, but there have been plenty of times when I've thought, "This doesn't make any sense...but I know what I'm being called to do, so I'm going to do it anyway."

Then I look back and realize something.

The Ultimate Architect had the plans drawn the entire time.

It wasn't that the blueprint didn't make sense.

I was simply still learning how to read it. 🦋

Where in your life are you being asked to trust the blueprint before you fully understand it?

Stephanie G. Vanterpool, MD, MBA
​Physician • Educator • Researcher • Writer
​Founder, Blueprints & Butterflies​

P.S. I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Every reflection continues as a conversation on Substack.

🦋 Join the conversation:https://substack.com/@svanterpoolmd​

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