When You Can’t See What’s Ahead

Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." It's comforting to hear that God has a plan for us, but believing it, especially during times of change and challenge, is much harder.

For the past year, I've been struggling with constant anxiety and fear whenever I think about college and the future. The pressure to choose the "right" path is overwhelming me, and it's so easy to get caught up in worries about making mistakes. It's hard to remember it's okay not to have all the answers right now. I often expect God's plan to magically align with what I want, with no hardships or struggle. But it's important to recognize that God's plan doesn't always unfold as I expect. Instead of fixating on a specific outcome, I need to focus more on the opportunities and choices being given each day, and how to use them to grow, learn, and help others.

Anxiety and fear are natural responses when we're uncertain about what lies ahead. Feeling anxious doesn't mean you lack faith, it means you're human. It's important not to get caught up in "what ifs" but to remember that being a follower of God doesn't spare us from suffering, challenges, and fear. In those moments, we must turn to God for hope and courage as we navigate the unknown. Following God allows us to trust that even in scary and confusing times, our journey has immense purpose, and we are safe with Christ, who cares for us. It means acknowledging that things won't always be okay, but receiving strength from the Holy Spirit. We are not alone and there is always hope for our future in God.

The Bible doesn't dismiss feelings of fear and anxiety but offers guidance on dealing with them. Matthew 6:25-34 encourages us not to worry about the future, urging us to prioritize seeking God above all else and trusting that he will provide what we need. I remember as a kid, singing our Bible verses as songs, one that always stuck out to me the most was Philippians 4:6-7, which reminds us, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." 

What if the next time we are tempted to get caught up in our worries, we turn to prayer instead? What if, instead of spiraling in fear, we share our thoughts with God, being thankful for what He has given us, and asking Him to meet our needs? When we do, His grace will protect our thoughts and feelings, He will guard our hearts and minds and provide us with peace that surpasses understanding. It turns out, He can give us a hope and a future because He IS our hope and He holds our future. We are forever safe with Him. 

Eva Runyon