Ever since I was little, I have pictured Jesus beside me when encountering a situation that caused doubt or dread in my mind. The image of Him walking alongside me has provided a boost of bravery and boldness. And lately, a thought that has produced even more confidence is that while the Lord is undoubtedly right beside me, He is ahead of me making a way as well.
He Leads Us
Even though we may be facing uncharted territory, the Lord knows it like the back of His hand. Unknown to us are the results, ramifications, and potential rewards of obediently following Him into unfamiliar terrain, but He is ahead of us and knows all about them.
The Lord leads us but does not leave us. It is not consistent with His character to forsake us or to leave us high and dry. When He beckons us into waters that are deeper, difficult, or demanding, He has already navigated through all those waves and will lovingly lead us.
Trust and Feel His Presence
Still, there might be instances when we do not feel the Lord’s presence. That is when we need to get back to trusting our knowledge instead of our emotions. We can do that through prayer, reminding ourselves of His past faithfulness, and diving into His Word, which contains countless assurances of His presence. It is easier said than done, but in time, we will be able to both trust and feel His promised, proven, and powerful presence.
Picture Jesus Beside Us
So let us plan to continue to picture Him beside us – He is omnipresent, after all! However, let us plan to remember that He is in front us as well. He is encouraging and emboldening us to follow the road that He has already prepared and paved.
May we courageously step into the unknown. Praise God that it is not unknown to Him. He is already there.
The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV
