Hebrews 11:8b He went without knowing where he was going.

In Genesis 12 God told Abram “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you”. God asked him to leave it all behind, without knowing where he was going. All he knew was God said there were good things to come.

I like knowing the plan. I tend to have an idea in my head of how things are supposed to be, and I find comfort in feeling like I have some control over my circumstances.

It is tough when things don’t go as we had planned. It is scary when we don’t know what is behind the next turn in life.

Oh, but knowing is not always part of the plan of God!  Sometimes we are going to have to trust God when it is hard, scary, and unknown.  And that my friends is not easy!

So what do we do when we are faced with the unknown?  

Take Courage

We don’t have to feel courageous to be courageous.  We can leave the strength to God, and simply be obedient to what he’s asking. When I moved from my hometown, there were so many uncertainties. I had to remind myself of Joshua 1:9. (Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.)

We can look back

I actually underlined Hebrews 11:8 on October 30th, 2011, my son’s 5th birthday.  We were considering adoption, and were nervous of all the unknowns (and there were many!)  We had to look at all God had done for us in our past. How he had been faithful before, and would be faithful again. (1 Chronicles 16:12 Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced.)

We can cling to his promises

There is hope in God’s word.  When life has had its unknowns, I have clung to (Jeremiah 29:11). God is for us, not against us. He has a plan for good, not evil. This promise is to give us hope and a future. He also promises that we will not walk alone. His word tells us he will never leave us or forsake us. (Deuteronomy 31:8)

Worship him

I love Christian music.  It ministers to my soul and reminds me to keep my focus on him.  Often times, it has been where I have found comfort in the waiting before getting to the other side.

Don’t walk alone

Life can be hard.  It can be overwhelming.  Even in the Garden, God knew it was not good for man to be alone.  We were meant to live in community.  I have often said the only reason I don’t have a therapist is because I have good friends!  Find someone who can listen, give advice, or just be present.

We may not know where the road is leading, but we know our God.  He has it under control and He is trustworthy.  So, when you are struggling with not knowing what’s ahead, embrace the unknown with the known.