Into the Unknown

Have you ever wondered what it is like to venture into the unknown? You know, set sail in a boat headed towards the horizon, no destination in mind except lands undiscovered? Poor old Columbus shoved off from shore thinking India was straight across that there body of water and ended up halfway around the world, walking on shores that he had no intention of traversing. All he wanted was another way to India. He ended up discovering Central America instead.

My life has been one great venture into the unknown. Or maybe I should say "ventures" into the unknown. I keep getting myself into situations that force me out of my comfort zone and into someone else's world. I'm asked to do things I don't like for the sake of doing something new.

When I left my church in Gainesville, TX, I did it without assurances. I did not have another full-time job. I did not have another place to live. I did not know if I would be able to make a living doing something I loved. But I ventured out anyway. Like Peter, the waves got high and I got scared plenty of times. My faith went up and down. But I tried to walk on that water anyway and I'm a better man as a result. Since then I've ventured into new ministries and new relationships, met new people and did new things. And I still, this day, have ventured further into another new field.

I rarely, if ever, know exactly what I'm doing. That's where faith comes into play. God knows all and sees all. He exists outside of time and space. Yet He is pleased to help and guide His children as they venture into the unknown pursuits of this life. His guidance comes through many forms, such as the wise counsel of parents, friends, and pastors. His guidance comes through His word and through His Spirit, speaking directly to your heart. His guidance comes through open doors and closed ones. Through brick walls that I keep banging my hard head against and the ever-needed softening of my heart.

So I keep venturing into the unknown, assured that God the Father will take care of me wherever I go because He loves me and He is more than willing to help me. His Spirit is my Counselor, His Son is my focus. Together they receive my worship and ground my hope.

That makes the unknown much easier to handle.