I know that to arrive at this state of consolation about our illness, the beginning is very difficult; for we must act purely in faith. But though it is difficult, we know also that we can do all things with the grace of God, which He never refuses to them who ask it earnestly.
-Brother Lawrence, page 61
After the accident in which I became paralyzed, I was terrified of the future. If only God would give me some assurance that everything would turn out okay, then I could trust Him.
My concerns were not unlike those of Moses. After God’s people rebelled, the Lord told Moses to get up and lead the people beyond the desert to Canaan. Moses, being a little unsure of what lay ahead, said to the Lord, “You have been telling me, ‘Take these people up to the Promised Land.’… if it is true that you look favorably on me, let me know your ways so I may understand you more fully” (Exodus 33:12-13, NLT). That’s it? Moses was hoping for details, a plan, the blueprint. He wanted assurance about the future.
When God gives us a directive, before venturing out, we want to know what he intends to do. “Let me know the way you’re taking me, God.” But God does not unfold the blueprint; he is the blueprint. If we are insistent in wanting to know the way, let’s recall that Jesus is the Way. Once I started powering my wheelchair into the future, I could almost hear the words from Exodus: I will personally go with you, Joni.” And for more than half a century, he has.
Meditate: Worried about the future?
His presence is all you need. Thank him for that.
(Joni Eareckson Tada, “The Practice of the Presence of Jesus”)