The Unexpected

“Fear not, for I am with you….” Isaiah 43:5                                                                              “I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” Is. 43:19

“Clear your desks. Take out a blank piece of paper and a pencil.” Dreaded words announced by a teacher. Sagging groans echoing from students. Only the brilliant and confident anticipated the unknown challenge. The rest of us quivered at random, unexpected tests which broadsided our educational highway. How well I remember the flushed cheeks, rapid heart palpitations, and trembling fingers.

Fast forward past the brick and mortar schoolhouse days. Unexpected tests arrive at our doorsteps daily – unnerving news from a routine physical, a midnight call from the police station, a child’s failing report card, discovering inappropriate websites on a loved one’s computer, hearing a crack sound after a tumble over the curb…. Each produces fear of the unknown journey ahead. The optimist believes for the best. The pessimist anticipates the worst. And the realist deals with “what is” in a practical fashion. However, even those who’ve placed their faith and hope in Christ approach the unknown with precarious emotions.

In all honesty, I lean toward pessimism in my own predicaments. Yet when others face trauma or a broad siding, hope quickly ascends to the surface. A jaded view of our own life plunges us into negativity. Perhaps our Creator understands our thoughts and emotions better than we do. Scripture exhorts us in hundreds of verses not to fear the unknown.  Before Joshua ever took his first step, God reminded him not to fear. No previous verses mention any quaking in Joshua’s soul. Oh how well our Maker knows us. How He desires us to trust Him!

When the unknown unravels us, it’s time to look up and not around. A chin lifted toward heaven strengthens the heart to follow suit. God’s faithfulness has no expiration date for those whose trust is in Him. We’ve been warned that tests and trials are part of the journey, reminded we’re not alone, and given hope for the future – no matter what.

Chin to heaven, eyes on the Way Maker. Step by step…..