Fear of the unknown

By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called . . . And he went out, not knowing where he was going.       — Hebrews 11:8

Has God ever asked you to do something that seemed unreasonable? Something that took you into the territory of the unknown? What if He asked you to refuse a long-awaited promotion or resist a longed-for relationship? What if He called you to a remote part of the world or asked you to release your children to serve Him in a faraway place?

The unknown is full of haunting “what ifs.” Yet God often calls us to chart unknown territory as we follow Him. Obeying His commands to forgive, to give away our treasures, or to give up things that provide security and pleasure often leave us in the scary territory of unknown outcomes.

Imagine how Abraham felt when God asked him to move his whole family without telling him where they were going (Gen. 12:1-3). God also asked Abraham to persevere — to stay in an unknown land even when the lure of past comforts may have threatened to seduce him and his family back to their comfort zone in Ur.

Entering a new year is like entering uncharted territory. The fear of the unknown could cripple our capacity to follow God’s leading through the days ahead. Yet, like Abraham, when we cling to the One who knows all things, we’re in good hands — regardless of where He leads. — Joe Stowell

Many things about tomorrow

I don’t seem to understand;

But I know who holds tomorrow,

And I know who holds my hand.  — Stanphill

READ: Hebrews 11:8-12

Never be afraid to entrust the unknown future to the all-knowing God.

The Bible in one year:

• Genesis 23-24

• Matthew 7