Unknown

​What is unknown can be extremely frustrating for those of us who want to know.
I heard a hearty amen from my readers!
Fact: Much of life is unknown.
I wish at times I could change that annoying, perplexing fact. But I cannot. Neither can you. Nobody can. Not possible. Unknown is built into the fabric of the human experience. Unknown is part of creation. Our Creator is familiar with the unknown. Now, do not go blame-shifting your current circumstances on the Lord. You may have created some unknown for yourself because of your behavior. Just saying!
When unknown crosses their path, people react in diverse ways.
Panic buttons are pushed by some. Worry warts pop up on others. Anxiety attacks assault and paralyze emotions. Negative attitudes overshadow positive thinking. “What if” clouds minds with questions and doubt. Fear of the future takes center stage.
Knee jerk reactions to the unknown cause us to lose perspective. Rash, unwise decisions often lead to irrational behavior. Negative reactions to unknown situations can make other people feel uncomfortable around us.
Many people in our culture today are fearful of the unknown. A spirit of paranoia runs deep in many souls who choose not to look to God to meet their needs. During their self-imposed panic tantrums they make some downright dumb decisions! Fear-mongers love to take advantage of and manipulate gullible folks by selling them a bill of goods that the unknown is our doom.
Unknown must be faced with faith, not fear. Faith in God who is not afraid of the unknown.
I have wrestled with ”unknown” numerous times throughout my lifetime. In the past I have reacted with negative thinking and anxiety. God’s lesson for me: “Steve, as a born-again, Spirit-filled Christian, have you forgotten that I was there with you in the land of unknown every single time? When you looked to Me with simple trust, I led you through unknown to known. I will do it again when unknown confronts you.”
Thank you Father for reminding me of Your faithfulness. I am doing my best with the Holy Spirit’s help to manage unknown much better than I used to.
What is your typical “go-to” response to the unknown? How would you like to change your responses to the unknown?
Bottom line: Faith is tested when unknown comes calling.
I have good news for you and me: With God’s help, we can understand unknown from His perspective and order our lives accordingly.
I encourage you to read and meditate on Psalm 46. Verses 1 and 10-11 are bookends for the other eight which describe potential, serious life-threatening scenarios that reek of the unknown.
The Psalmist assures us that when all hell breaks loose, we need not fear. The unknown need not frighten us. Why? Because God is our help, our refuge, our strength and our stronghold in trouble.
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” (Verse 1).
“Be still, cease striving, know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations; I will be exalted in the earth. The Lord of hosts is with us, the God of Jacob is our stronghold.” (Verses 10-11).
God is omniscient, all knowing. Gods loves us in the known and unknown times of our lives. He alone knows the beginning from the end and the end from the beginning. There is nothing unknown to Him. He knows what I do not know, sees what I cannot see.
I may not know, but God always knows. Unknown is not unknown to Him.
WOW! Unknown does not stand a chance when God is with us and we choose to stop striving and be still before Him.
Therefore, you and I should focus our faith on Who we know (the Lord) and what we know (His Word). The God of the Bible is who He says He is and does what He says He will do. Period! No exceptions concerning any unknown situation or season you or I may be experiencing.
Just a thought:  If we know everything, including the unknown, why would we need faith?
May we quiet our soul in unknown times. Focus our faith on God who knows. Know with confidence that He is God. He knows how to guide you and me through the unknown.
My friend, surrender the unknown to the One who knows. Trust Him to show you what you need to know, when you need to know it and what to do to pass through unknown to known.
“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1
A Word For Your Week: Unknown is opportunity to know God better and live life successfully.