Do you ever find yourself fearing the unknown? The Lord is very clear on worry. He tells us in Matthew 6:34 not to worry about tomorrow for tomorrow will worry about itself. Over and over in the Word, God tells us “do not fear” [Isaiah 41:10]. It all sounds well and good, but in reality I need more to hang onto to avoid fear and worry.
Deuteronomy 31:8 says “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.” Now that is a promise I can hold onto as an anchor to prevent my mind from boarding the worry train. The Lord Himself goes before me. Wherever I go and whatever I face, I will never face it alone. The Lord has gone before me and He is waiting for me there. He will encourage me and direct my steps. I can rest in the knowledge that He’s already there.
Last October, I took a huge leap of faith and traveled to New Mexico to attend a writer’s conference. I have never traveled alone where I wasn’t being met at my destination by a friend or a family member. This was uncharted waters for me. I knew the Lord was telling me to attend the conference, so I had to swallow my fear and go. When I arrived, I found my way to the car rental desk and was able to secure my car. I had my luggage packed, the directions in hand, I just needed to find the main interstate and I would be fine. I stopped at the gate to confirm my directions with the attendant.
“Sweetheart, where are you from?” he asked.
“I’m from Georgia.” I replied.
“Well, I think even Georgia can handle this. Take a right, go to the stop sign, take another right and you’ll see the exit ramp on your left.”
I knew right then and there I had been insulted within 10 minutes of being in New Mexico. All I asked for was clarifications for my directions. I felt my confidence crumbling.
I cried out to God,
“Lord, would you please send me a sign, something, just let me know you’re here with me. I just wish I had a friend with me. I would feel so much better.”
When I finished praying I turned on the radio and was washed in a wave of God’s peace. First of all, the radio was on a Christian station- what are the chances? And secondly, Mac Powell of Third Day was singing. Mac goes to my church. God didn’t put a flesh and blood person in my car, but He did answer my prayer to send a friend to me. As I heard Mac singing out, I felt like I wasn’t alone. God had heard me and sent me a message to tell me I wasn’t alone. He was with me.
No matter what life throws your way, you can trust He will never leave you nor forsake you [Joshua 1:5]. He goes before you to prepare the way. You can trust Him in all things [Psalm 115:9, Proverbs 3:5-6]. Whenever you find yourself at a crossroads where your choices are to worry and fear or trust in the Lord, cry out to Him and He will answer you [Psalm 91:15].