The road ahead is not always clear. Obstacles, expected and unexpected, will block our way and cause us to question the path we’ve chosen. Sometimes the road ahead is well lit, and we move forward with confidence. More often, it is so dark you can’t see your hand in front of your face. We’re lost, confused, and, if we’re honest, scared out of our minds. We do not understand what lies ahead.
One of the beautiful results of following Jesus is we may not always know where we’re going, but we always know with whom we’re going. The road ahead does not seem so unnerving knowing Jesus is at once leading the way, watching our back, and walking right beside us.
Following Jesus is the grandest adventure of all. He equips us for whatever lies ahead, but He rarely tells us exactly what that is. We trust we have all we need because we know He is going with us. No matter what we may face, having Jesus beside us means we can handle it. Just like Peter could never walk on water until Jesus was there, so it is with us. But in the same way Peter sank as soon as he took his eyes off Jesus, the moment we attempt to do things in our strength, we’re sunk.
The road ahead should excite, not frighten; be invigorating, not daunting. You have Jesus, of what are you afraid (Romans 8:31)? His love is bigger than anything confronting us (Romans 8:38-39). The only thing that matters is His peace. The only thing that matters is Him. Truly, we are in Christ, and nothing else matters. While the details of the road ahead are vague, the certainty of Jesus will not fail. No matter what happens, He will not leave us (Deuteronomy 31:6). His faithful love endures forever.
Even when we feel lost, He is there. Be confident in His presence. Even in the worst of times, if we will keep our eyes on Jesus, we will get through it. I know this because we are walking with Jesus, and He cannot be stopped. No one or nothing will keep Jesus from pressing forward. He has already defeated any difficulty that might cross our path. Because He has already won the victory, so have we. It may not always look like it when we are seeing through our selfish perspective, but when we are looking through His eyes, we will see everything will be all right.
None of us know what will be on the road ahead. What I can tell you is that if you try to walk it alone, you will lose. You cannot win without Jesus. When we live each day focused only on Jesus and His mission, we will be victorious. We will live a triumphant life, full of joy and peace. We may not always have happiness and calm, but in Him, there is joy and peace as we have never known.
Don’t fear the road ahead. Don’t let the noise of the news and social media cause you to doubt or fear. God has not changed. He is still on mission and you are still His child. Be confident and bold. You are loved, and as long as your focus is on Christ, you will get through this.