Dearest,
The anticipation of a new phase is almost always accompanied by anxiety and unrest. Anxiety as you are about to begin secondary school. Anxiety as you are about to write WAEC/JAMB, and of course, after you gain admission into the University. Anxiety after graduation and NYSC. Anxiety as you're about to start a new job. Anxiety as you're about to relocate to another country for a postgraduate degree or even permanent residence.
It's the fear of the unknown, an uncertainty about the future and what awaits us.
I plan to write later about hope in God for our future, but today, I just want to share a verse that gives me rest when a new phase or endeavour is on the horizon:
I will go before you
And make the crooked places straight;
I will break in pieces the gates of bronze
And cut the bars of iron. - Isaiah 45:2
“I will go before you” - Our Eternal, Infinite God is not limited by time or space so He has gone ahead of us to that phase, place, endeavour, to prepare the way and to put in place all that we need to excel and prosper.
How?
He removes all obstacles and difficulties that stand in our way, securing our victory and triumph. The context is that of a conquest, of a king and his army advancing to possess the city of their enemy, which was fortified by heavy gates and bars. And the Lord assuring the king that he would surely conquer and possess, because the Lord has gone ahead of them to obliterate those obstacles that serve to hinder his entry.
So how does this play out in time?
God goes ahead of us, into our seemingly uncertain future, to remove every obstacle in the way of our well-being. It does not mean that we will not face difficulties and adversity. I'm sure Cyrus did not get to the city to see already broken gates of bronze. However, he was able to surmount all those strongholds and obstacles because God had already made a way for him.
Likewise, we are assured of a smooth venture for every new phase - not the total absence of difficulties, but complete triumph over them. The help we need, the people we need, the strength we need, the supply of resources we need, the favour we need, the wisdom we need - He has gone ahead to make it all available.
Are you about to go somewhere new, do something new, start something new? The Lord wants you to rest assured that you'll be more than fine - your future is secure because He has gone ahead to work all things out for your good. And when that time comes, you'll see His power at work, for you.
You're more than a conqueror through Him who loves you.
Enjoy rest in Jesus!
With love from,
Dunnie
This is timely, thanks.