Word of Prayer: Facing the unknown with faith

It may not be January 1, but we are entering another moment of newness – of change.  The summer break is ending, and the school year is beginning. We don’t know what lies ahead, do we?

Honestly, these past few years have seemed like a whirlwind of change. Five years ago, I could not have imagined all that we would face, all that we would endure, and all that would change in our lives and in our world. It is enough to make your head spin and to cause you to wonder what could possibly happen next. It forced us out of our comfort zones, and it forced us to make many changes.

And here we are. Life does not look like it once did, and a return to the past seems unlikely.  Change came. Change continues. Change is inevitable.

We may not know what the months ahead hold, but after what we have been through, I more firmly recognize how much I need God to face the unknown. He has seen me through things that I never thought I would face. He has helped me make decisions that I never dreamed would be options.

It reminds me of a moment in the history of the Jewish people. Their great leader Moses was handing over the reins to Joshua.  They were about to enter a new land and face fearsome adversaries. They did not know what the days ahead would be like, and there was fear. That is when Moses stood up and reminded everyone: “Be strong and courageous; don’t be terrified or afraid of them.  For the LORD your God is the one who will go with you; he will not leave you or abandon you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6)

Against all odds, they prevailed.  God enabled them to win their Promised Land. God directed them into uncharted waters. God proved his faithfulness. God was with them.

I assure you that if you trust in Him, He will guide you too. No matter what the new school year brings – no matter how the political or cultural landscape changes – no matter what tomorrow holds – Jesus watches over his people.  And we must never forget the promise found in Hebrews 13:8: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”

Without a doubt, we should know that. Everything around us may seem to be in a state of unrest, but God is the only firm foundation.  I hope you have realized this. And I hope you have accepted the hope, the grace, the peace, and the salvation that only Jesus offers.

Perhaps we should take a moment to ask for His continued help. In fact, I encourage you to join me in lifting up the following prayer:

Dear Lord, change is not my favorite thing. It makes me anxious because I don’t know what’s coming.  But please help me remember that I can trust in you. Help me recognize that you know what my future holds, and you will guide me.  Give me the wisdom to know where you lead, and help me follow you unreservedly.
I know you are good.  I know your plans are good.  May I honor you by trusting you instead of trying to wing it. May I experience your grace, your love, and your power like never before in the uncharted waters of tomorrow.
In Jesus’ name, Amen!

EDITOR’S NOTE: Jay Cook is the senior pastor at First Baptist Church in Canton. He is married to Kristi Cook, and the two have two children.