Is God AWOL?

Absent Without Leave (AWOL) is the ultimate act of betrayal to your military buddies. It’s worse than letting them down when they need you most. It’s refusing to show up in the first place. In the military, AWOL is punishable by reduced pay, confinement to military barracks, a dishonorable discharge, or up to one year in a military prison. It’s a serious offense.

Going AWOL in a combat environment is called 'desertion.' It is the ultimate act of betrayal of both your battle buddies and your nation. The maximum punishment for desertion in a combat zone is the death sentence.

It’s not difficult to determine when someone is AWOL. The military has very specific rules and regulations for a warrior’s conduct in training and on the battlefield. Few other relationships are guided by this level of specificity.  And God is absolutely NOT required to follow our standards for conduct in His relationship with us. That’s what makes following God so confusing, frustrating on some occasions, and often downright disappointing.

In this article, I want to explore why following God can feel like climbing a steep hill on a treacherous trail in complete darkness. It’s tough, isn’t it? However, understanding these struggles can help us navigate our faith journey.

One reason we find it hard to trust is uncertainty. When life throws curveballs—like job loss or health issues—it’s easy to feel lost. We want answers, and sometimes, it feels like God is silent! In these moments, we might question whether we’re on the right path. But remember, uncertainty can be a part of God’s plan, teaching us patience and resilience!

You have expectations about how your life should unfold.. we all do. When things don’t go according to your timeline, frustration sets in. A friend once shared her disappointment when her prayers for guidance seemed unanswered. She realized that God’s timing is different from hers, and that’s okay! Trusting means letting go of your timeline and embracing His.

Fear is another big hurdle to overcome. The unknown can be scary! You might worry about the future or doubt your abilities. It’s crucial to remember that God walks with you through every challenge. Leaning on your faith can help ease those fears and remind you that you’re not alone.

Wondering if God has gone AWOL in life doesn’t make your faith weak—it’s just a work in progress. Here are a few tips to help you trust God’s placement for you, His purpose for you, and the plan He wants to accomplish with your life!

• Focus on the journey, not the destination

God sometimes leads you down a path filled with twists and turns. You might feel lost or misplaced, but remember, God has a divine plan for each of us. Rather than getting lost in despair, try to reflect on moments when you felt guided or redirected—those are often signs of His hand at work!

• Look for Signs


Every trail has markings to keep people on the correct path. Some trails are better marked than others. Have you noticed patterns or signs that seem to lead you in a certain direction? It could be a conversation, a book, or even a moment in prayer. Pay attention! These might be God’s trail markers, showing you which direction to walk.

• Trust the Timing


Patience is a beast—especially when life hurts! Sometimes, we want answers right away, but God’s timing is perfect. Take a moment to think about times when waiting led you to something amazing. Trust that God will make everything unfold when the timing is right!"

Trusting in God when He seems AWOL is never easy. If you’re willing to follow Him despite the scary paths of life, you’ll find that He didn’t go AWOL. He was with you all along, even when the path was so dark that you couldn’t see Him.

Remember, trusting God is about faith, reflection, and openness to His plan. Let this truth keep encouraging you on your journey of faith! You’re never alone in this—God’s always walking with His people, even when you don’t see Him!