Uncertainty mounting, I stepped on the plane. I was leaving my home country for months. I would live with a family I never met, speak a language I didn’t know well, and navigate a culture that was foreign. And I would do all this alone, at seventeen.
I bet you too, have ventured into the unknown. No matter how exciting the opportunities, the moment you realize there is no going back is downright, gulp, terrifying.
In Genesis 46:3, Jacob was afraid. He too was called to live in a foreign country, learn another culture, customs and language. God knew Jacob’s heart and understood his fear. He assured him by telling Jacob of His great plans. “I will make you into a great nation.”
God also assured Jacob he wasn’t alone, either. “I will go where you go.”
As you may already know, Jacob went. And all God had said proved true.
It’s scary venturing into the unknown. We want to double-check ourselves,
God directions,
and His timing.
Yet, He is God. He is faithful to His children,
His character,
His word.
He can be trusted.
When I lived abroad as an exchange student my senior year in high school, I learned that I did not go alone; God went with me. He is everywhere and He sees everything. I was never outside the palm of His hand. Such a valuable lesson to learn at seventeen years of age!
When we’re afraid, we can recount His faithfulness. Both in our own lives when we have walked with Him, and in the Bible. When we know what to do, but are afraid, we can ask Him to help us follow Him anyway. Let’s ask Him for just that.
Prayer: Dear Lord, You know my heart and my fears. Help me to be faithful to You. Thank You for Your faithfulness. Help me to follow You even when I am afraid. Thank You for Your good plans for me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.