INTO THE UNKNOWN

So, this post has been a long time coming. Mostly because after getting the topic, I was pretty stumped about just what it was that I was meant to write about. Let's just say that currently in my life, I agree with a certain someone who spoke about life being in layers(some say cycles and others prefer to use the word levels: they can all mean the same thing really, depending on the contexts they're used in).

So, if you are one of those who have the(very needed) habit of frequently trying to take stock of their life and growth experiences till date, then you'd agree with me when I say this – more often than not, we experience certain stages of growth over and over again. It's such that when we conquer them and move deeper a layer or up a level or into a wider cycle(whichever suits you better) we see them occur all over again with(maybe) a couple of variations or on a larger/more complex/more delicate scale.

Surprisingly enough, these new stages usually take less time to tackle because we've been through them before. However, in spite of that, they still pack a wallop and affect us and our journey just as much as they did the first time we ever experienced something of that manner.

We can also testify to the fact that stages of our lives are often easier to talk or write about when we're done with them. It's so much easier to laugh about the humorous parts of a near death experience or something of such nerve-wracking nature, when you're no longer one foot away from the grave or peeing your pants(just sayin').

On the other hand, it's so tasking to share on something when you're currently undergoing it, previously experienced or not. Tasking, but not impossible – and for me, this post is just that.

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I can't help but comment on how funny it feels to me that all these things I've already written have very little to do with the topic at hand. But then again, it's a necessary preface and something I'm sure most of us can relate with. Okay, continuing now.

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The title of this post pretty much tells its whole story – pretty much, but not quite. 'Into the unknown' – now this phrase right here is something all of our minds can relate with.

When it comes to several decision-making stages, there's almost always the realm of the known and that of the unknown. And more often than not, we always go for what we know because, 'dhur, who'd be stupid enough to walk into something they have little to no knowledge about when there's the option of going for something they do know about?'

Good question right? Extremely reasonable too.

However, there are several people who've had to do just that – walk into something they have little to no knowledge about when there was an option for going for something they did know about.

Really though, these days, there are a lot of movies about things like this. From Rose in 'Titanic' – who could have just gone with her fiancee and lived a life she was at least sure of surviving through instead of agreeing to remain hidden from him and face life on her own, without help – to Jasmine in 'Aladdin' – who practically agreed to go out with a strange prince from a nation(city? kingdom?) that till the day they met was completely unheard of, on a magic carpet ride, despite also having never seen a magic carpet prior to that day(Yes, yes, I know both characters may be funny examples to some of us considering the vast number of options out there, but I have to admit that my movie-watching capacity is very, very low, so forgive me alright? Besides, they're both amazing movies).

And while some of them have done things like this merely on a whim or an inward thrill or even an unshakable longing for adventure, and others have had to do so after serious consideration and upon realising that nothing could actually be worse than the options they did know about, others have had to do so for a very different reason – because God said so.

And I believe for many humans, especially those who do not believe in the existence of an all-knowing, ever-present, all-powerful God, this reason makes the least sense.

This reason is often considered by many as illogical and totally obscure. But for the believer, it is the surest reason we can ever have. That doesn't mean it is ever the easiest path to take, but it is the surest, because it rests on the shoulders of a God who never lies and claims utmost responsibility for those who obey and rely on Him.

Now when God instructs us to walk on the path of the unknown, it usually takes all we have to go against that innate sense of self-preservation that begs us to stick to the paths we are well conversed with — our comfort zones. This is because the path of the unknown in all sincerity, is lined with stones; of ephemeral questions and fears, of moments of alarmingly blind trust, of seasons of disapproving tongue clucks or disappointed shakes of the head by those observing, and at certain times even, of faltering periods of self-doubt.

The Bible has never stated that trudging the path of the unknown would be a breeze(I mean, just look at the children of Israel and their ancestors – all they had was a promise from God to keep them), but there is a sure promise that every child of God can hold on to:

'But now, God's Message, the God who made you in the first place, Jacob, the One who got you started, Israel:

"Don't be afraid, I've redeemed you.

I've called your name. You're mine.

When you're in over your head, I'll be there with you.

When you're in rough waters, you will not go down.

When you're between a rock and a hard place,

it won't be a dead end—

Because I am God, your personal God,

The Holy of Israel, your Savior."'

– Isaiah 43:1-3(The Message version)

This is because the path of the unknown in all sincerity, is lined with stones; of ephemeral questions and fears, of moments of alarmingly blind trust, of seasons of disapproving tongue clucks or disappointed shakes of the head by those observing, and at certain times even, of faltering periods of self-doubt.

Beloved, learn to fear not. This message rang true for the Israelites and it still does today for all those who are called by God's name. Allow this knowledge wash over you like waves on a sandy shore. Allow them soothe and smoothen your edges that have been made rough by doubts, opinions from others and questions. Allow them fill your lungs with new air and your heart with hope.

If it is God that has begun it, then rest assured that it's as good as finished for He always sees His projects out till the end, no matter how long they seem to take.

Draw comfort from these words today and every other day you will need them – it's something I'm also learning to do.

You are loved and well cared for.