Fearing the Unknown
“Interview this author.”
“Attend our reception.”
“Don’t miss this movie screening.”
My inbox has been inundated with requests lately as I prepare to attend the National Association of Religious Broadcasters Convention in Orlando next week. There is not enough time to honor all of the solicitations and when I look at the schedule, I’m overwhelmed.
A newbie to this convention, the unknown is also unsettling.
Will I be swallowed up by the crowd?
Will I ever be able to find all these suites and expo booths?
A dot in a sea of talented people, will anyone care to meet me?
It requires supernatural bravery to venture into the unknown.
The Bible speaks about a woman who ventured where no woman had gone before.
She was at wits end. Sick and bleeding for twelve years, the unknown was her only hope. An outcast in her hometown because she was “unclean,” she battled the crowds around Jesus so she could simply touch his garment. Jesus, feeling the power go out from him said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace” (Luke 8:48).
I’m guessing this woman’s journey into the unknown was a lot more dangerous than attending a convention. She risked being stoned to death for leaving her isolated home and rubbing shoulders with the “clean” as an “unclean” person. Touching the cloak of a rabbi was a no-no, but she knew it was what she had to do to be whole again. It was a risk worth taking and it paid off.
Has God ever led you into the unknown?
A move?
A new job?
A new church?
It is in the unknown where we see our Heavenly Father the clearest. When we take those shaky first steps into uncertainty, we can’t rely on ourselves anymore and have to depend on him to guide us.
However, when we are called to the unknown but choose to remain in our comfort zones, we miss bountiful blessings and inhibit spiritual growth.
So as intimidated as I might feel right now, I am praying for divine appointments next week. I am confident God will get this directionally challenged person to where I need to be at the right time. And as I battle crowds at times, I know I can count on Jesus to hold my hand as we do this together.
Are you willing to go wherever God calls you? Even if you’ve never been there before?
“The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it” (1 Thessalonians 5:24).
My dearest Sister, Lisa—
Years ago, when we asked God to give us Spirits of Obedience, we would never have dreamed the corners of the Earth to which He would take us. I think of times in history and the Faithful who lived in those era’s…. and obeyed. How much I respect their Journeys without the ability to remain connected, as we are through technology, for prayer, support, encouragement. What a Holy Adventure we have been invited to ! My move to New York City, at my age, is a Sacred place I would never have possibly imagined. I do not fear.
Our combined experiences which have led each of us here to this deep water, have prepared us for the Plans and Work which lie before us.
We parallel in synchrony, dear one.
Godspeed to us both. I am humbly grateful for the Gift of you, my fellow Sojourner of Heaven.