How to Navigate Unknowns (An Encouraging Word)
She didn’t know what to think: Was the duck family friend or foe? Should she bark or befriend? Our puppy stood at the water's edge, watching intently, ready to pounce if necessary.
The unknowns of life can leave us equally perplexed, can’t they? We wonder if something is good or bad, if we should pull back or proceed, and if we should reject or welcome the new and unfamiliar.
A friend and I realized that on the same day she would be dropping her baby off at daycare for the first time, I would be dropping my son off at college for the first time. Two very different seasons of life, but both were unknowns, perhaps filled with perplexing concerns that needed God's grace and wisdom to navigate. For you, it may be the unfamiliarity of your child's first day of kindergarten or high school, settling into a new job or neighborhood, or making decisions for aging parents or loved ones.
How can we navigate such unknowns? When Jehoshaphat found himself in an intense and unfamiliar situation, he sought the Lord and prayed, “We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you” (2 Chronicles 20:12 NIV). This “eyes up” mentality is exactly what we need, too, isn’t it?
Consider the following six “P’s” to help keep your “eyes up” as you navigate your next unknown:
First, pray about “all the things.” (Philippians 4:6)
Do you need wisdom, courage, strength, or patience as you venture into the unknown? Whatever it is you need, before you panic, pray. Before you stress, bring your supplication. He delights in hearing our hearts and is faithful to show us His!
Second, present your expectations, desires, and will to the Lord. (Luke 22:42 NLT)
When walking into an unknown alongside a person into their unknown, unmet expectations are the most likely culprit for frustration, friction, and more. We've envisioned something going one way, and they have a completely different idea!
When this happens, remember the example of Christ. While He didn’t have a different agenda or expectation than His Father, He did yield His will. How much more must we!
Third, permit yourself to grieve that which is changing or what feels like a loss. (Psalm 62:8b NLT)
If you are entering a new season, acknowledge the emotions associated with leaving the previous season behind by pouring out your heart to your Heavenly Father. As you do, receive His grace, and give His grace to those who are leaving behind a particular season of their own.
Fourth, perceive the good that lies ahead. (2 Corinthians 5:7 NKJV)
While stepping into the unknown may be unsettling, ask for spiritual eyes and a faith-filled heart. While you may be grieving a loss of one thing, can you perceive the gain of another?
Fifth, prioritize relationships over results. (1 John 3:1a NIV)
Remember to enjoy your relationships with the Lord and with each other. More important than figuring out the unknowns, checking the boxes, and quickly settling into your new reality is the state of your heart and theirs. Remember that you (and those around you) are loved and cherished not for what has been accomplished, but for who you (and they) are – children of God.
Sixth, practice trusting the Lord moment by moment and step by step. (Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV)
Recall His past faithfulness as you look to the future. You can trust Him!
As we walk into the unknown, let’s remember: “Eyes up!”
An unknown to us is not an unknown to God!
With much love in Christ,
Cara Blondo