You Go First

Want to hear a little secret? It may not be news if you know me, but I’m often a bit of a chicken. I don’t like to be the one to go first….at anything…but especially situations that are are new or the outcome is uncertain. A great example of this would be a haunted house. This is not my idea of fun. 

I don’t know if you saw this or remember it, but a few years Ellen Degeneres showed a clip on her program. She sent a man and a woman from her staff to a haunted house. It was a no-joke kind of haunted house! Creepy things jumped out. There were scary sounds and lights. It looked terrifying. The guy ended up being anything but a chivalrous hero. He constantly grabbed the woman and pushed her out in front of him to be the one on the front lines of whatever was about to jump out. It was hilarious in a funny, not funny sort of way.

As much as I’d like to chastise him, sadly, I would do the same thing. I’d probably even put my own kids out in front of me! 

The good news for me and my kids is I don’t plan on setting foot in one of those places. Even better news is when it comes to stepping out into the uncertain, God not only goes before us, He’s got our backs, and is with us for the long haul. 

I’ll be honest, though and say that as much as I trust God, and as strong as my faith is, I get worried, and sometimes even scared, about the future. And by future, it might be next year, next week, or the next five minutes. 

The unknown, for me,  is a place that casts shadows of doubt and fear. And in those darker places, my mind will create scenarios that can put any haunted house to shame. Seriously. 

Thankfully, Deuteronomy 31:8 encourages us by promising, “Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.” (NLT)

Not only does He lead us, but God is also our very own place of refuge; that place where we can hide. He is our protector. 

I know for me, sometimes I just need a minute before I can walk in the confidence my faith promises. Maybe it’s the same for you. And in those moments, while we experience His security, we can allow God to work in us because being safe might not always mean being comfortable. And trust me, I am a self-proclaimed creature of comfort. It would be my preference to feel like I’m snuggled down with whatever the heaven-version of a cozy blanket is until it feels safe to come out. But God can grow some beautiful things when we’re willing to trust Him.

I can’t think of anyone more trustworthy or better to lead us than the One who established the galaxies and who calms the storms…including the ones in our hearts. Jesus conquered the grave, rose again and walks fearlessly in front of us! He stands behind us and our God of angel armies is right next to us. Always!

I love that. It makes me want to shout a really loud, “Amen!” But there are days that I can barley whisper a faint, “Thank you Jesus.” I’m just thankful that He’s the same trustworthy God walking with me no matter what I’m feeling. And Friend, He’s with you too.

I do have to share something. I mentioned earlier that I had every intention of not entering any haunted venues, but my plans were thwarted this year on Halloween. Our neighborhood has a couple houses that create a haunted experience out of their homes. I decided to be brave and participate. I learned a valuable lesson. It’s not wise to put your husband or your friend who likes to startle you in front. It added a whole different level of fearful anticipation. I don’t know if scream-laughing is a thing, but it was for me. I still ended up walking with my head down and covered until we made it to the exit. 

Unfortunately I can’t cover my head to avoid the crazy world we live in. So many things bring insane amounts of uncertainty whether it’s politics, the economy, or our even daily lives. I’m so grateful God is already leading us through it all. I hope you can rest in that promise with me.