You’ll See
The memory hadn’t surfaced in over a decade. But as I stood at the sink washing strawberries on Sunday afternoon, it self-resurrected from the cave of dormant recollections and rode the fast track to the front of my brain.
Eleven years ago, I raced home from church to pack my suitcase for a work trip. I had a long drive ahead of me and wanted to arrive before nightfall. With MapQuest directions printed, I prayed that the traffic would be light.
It was my first time to travel for work solo, and I was finally practicing full on independence while attempting to rebuild my life from a pile of shambles. This trip was proof of the progress, and I vividly remember driving home and coming to the realization that I had fully, completely survived my worst nightmare.
All the things I’d been so afraid of happening not only occurred, but now they were in the past. And although it wasn’t what I’d hoped for, my future was a blank canvas.
My life hadn’t ended and God was giving me a fresh start.
A second chance.
A new beginning.
And here I was, living it out one day at a time. Choosing to get out of bed each morning and putting one foot in front of the other. Leaning in to faith, believing that God still had a good purpose and a good plan.
If only I had known eleven years ago what my life would look like now, that would’ve been so easy. So helpful.
And so very detrimental to my faith.
Because I would’ve taken my eyes off of Him. I would’ve looked away from the Author and Perfector of my faith and began depending on myself. I wouldn’t have pursued Him and discovered that He is the only one who truly satisfies. I would have continued living in ignorance, hopelessly trusting in my own efforts and missing out on the abundant joy that comes from following the Good Shepherd.
You may be in a similar spot. Starring into the tunnel of the unknown and wondering what life looks like on the other side. Or if there is another side. I can assure you, there is.
But you must take the first step. And then take the next.
Keep moving forward, and most importantly, keep walking out your faith.
Even if your knees are shaky, even if there’s abundant room for rejection and opportunity for continued disappointment and failure, don’t stop and don’t turn around.
You may not know what lies ahead of you, but God does. And if you aren’t sure how to get there, just follow Him. He will successfully lead you through the valleys, over the mountains, and even give you refreshing breaks beside the still waters.
And all the miles, the sweat, the tears, and the effort will absolutely be worth it. You’ll see.
