Just the thought of going into the unknown makes my palms sweat and my stomach churn. My pulse increases imagining the new setting. Not knowing what to say to complete strangers makes me want to stay at home. Hiding behind this computer screen feels much safer.
Even with FaceBook and FaceTime and Messenger and DM and IG and X and all the things, this screen or the small device I carry with me as if it were an extension of me, true connections are limited behind screens. Staying behind this screen keeps me falsely secure. The unknown holds mysteries and adventures waiting for me to experience. There are people I need to meet. There are places I need to see.
With mountains on one side, a sea in front, a shrine to a foreign god opposite, and a chasing army from the past behind, it looked like there was no way out. Some may have wanted to return to what was familiar. The toil and labor provided a measure of security. They left with hopes of freedom but not far into the journey, obstacles began piling up.
My obstacle is me. There is a mountain of doubt blocking my way. The unknown is a scary place. But the army of my past surrounds me sitting in front of this screen. But I have security here. But adventure waits beyond this screen. I could argue back and forth for days.
Stepping onto dry ground when just a moment before it was covered in water. A divided sea. A road made where there wasn’t one before. A path opened up to a new land. Walking between two walls of water. Thundering wind and horses hooves coming from behind. The wind pushing against backs not wanting to go back now.
I know too much about the past to want to stay there. Yes, the unknown is scary. Yes, I have already survived the past and am secure for the moment. But what waits ahead has my curiosity stirred. The churning of my stomach is excited anticipation instead of exaggerated anxiety.
Moving forward into the unknown is still scary. My racing pulse is proof that I am still alive. Surrounded by uncertainty but certain of the security found in walking on dry ground laid open in front of me. It is up to me to step out onto the path.
My God has prepared the way. Even if it is unknown to me, I know that He goes before me and prepares the way. I know that He is behind me as a rear-guard. He has plastered the walls on either side so I know they won’t crash down on me. And He looks down from above and has the whole view in His sights.
What unknown are you stepping into today? Will you do so with the certainty of having God prepare the way for you? Trust and believe that He will be with you every step of the way.
