Stepping into the unknown
God's Plan and Timing are Perfect
Feeling stuck? Scared? Or uncertain? Just like how you might feel right now. Apostle Paul called it "going not knowing"(Acts 20:22, "And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there.") Maybe you're reading this because you have tough decisions to make, or you're worried about the future. God's plan and timing are perfect. But what do we do when God hasn't yet told us the next phase of the plan? While we are waiting, we can use our time as preparation time. When we deeply understand God's grace through the death of Jesus for our sins, our lives are changed in an instant, little by little as God works in us to make us more like Christ.
Deuteronomy 33:27 says, “the eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.” Therefore, you should hold the utmost confidence in knowing that there is absolutely nothing that you should ever fear to step into! Take steps forward with faith, trust that God's strength will guide and sustain them. Stop running every time a risk appears. God's strong and everlasting arms are underneath you, so give your feet some faith and step into the unknown, then you will land safely!
Have you ever experienced a time where you felt like you’d rather give up than not get your way? Sometimes we don’t want to do what God wants us to because we don’t want to lose our sense of control. But the truth is, God is still in control no matter what. God is the one who has ultimate authority. Running away from God only hurts us more, so the best thing to do is turn around and embrace his plan. Proverbs 16:9 says, "We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps". We should know and never forget that because God is ultimately in control of the outcome and specifically the steps we take.
Jesus walking on the water
Taking That Step
All through the Bible, (Hebrews 11:18, "by faith Abraham,, when he was called, obeyed and went forth to a place which he was destined to recieve as an inheritance; and he went, although HE DID NOT KNOW OR TROUBLE HIS MIND ABOUT WHERE HE WAS TO GO", to Peter stepping out of a boat to walk on water (Matthew 14:29, "He said, Come! So Peter got out of the boat to WALK IN THE WATER, and he came toward Jesus". God's plan has repeatedly required walking or stepping into the unknown even when we are in troubled, scared, and uncertain about what will happen next. Philippians 4:13 says, "I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST WHO STRENGTHEN ME". What He leads you to do, He will provide for you to do. He's your security. Not a paycheck. Not people you've depended on. Not your safe little nest. Not your abilities. It's like Peter, it's not the water that's going to support you, IT'S JESUS!
In 1 Samuel 15:22, “Samuel said, Has the Lord as great a delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as in OBEYING THE VOICE OF THE LORD? Behold, to OBEY IS BETTER THAN SACRIFICE, and to hearken than the fat of rams.” I reiterate, if God says “COME,” leave everybody else in the boat and GO! "Among all the people on the boat, only Peter did a crazy thing, which is getting ready to step out of the boat and walk on the water. When Jesus said ‘Come’, he went, and so should you! Yes, water is fluid and unstable, and there’s nothing beneath it holding it up, but there is something beneath you holding you up, remember, it’s YOUR FATHER’S EVERLASTING ARMS! It’s risky, but when you’re taking the risk with Jesus, there’s really no risk at all! Therefore, make sure you hear and listen to God’s voice; follow His plan; fulfill His purpose; stay in His will and do what the Lord has called you to do!
God's Promise
Maybe you're wondering why you can risk taking that step. One thing is for sure: God never promised to protect us from suffering, but did promise to be with us through it. It is His guarantee for us who have never broken a promise. 1 Thessalonians 5:24 says, "The One who calls you is faithful and He will do it. That's all you needed to know. God's not leaving you stranded in the middle of His will and will not abandon you. As Philippians 1:6 says, "And I am convinced and sure of this very thing, that HE WHO BEGAN A GOOD WORK IN YOU WILL CONTINUE UNTIL THE DAY OF JESUS CHRIST (right up to the time of His return, developing that (good work) and perfecting and BRINGING IT TO FULL COMPLETION IN YOU." Proverbs 3:5-6 also says, “Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths.” Even when it requires stepping outside of your comfort zone, TAKE THAT RISK and TRUST that GOD WILL SEE THE JOURNEY THROUGH WITH YOU.
You always have His word on it!