READ: MATTHEW 6:25-34; PHILIPPIANS 1:4-6, 9-11; 4:4-13

As I was driving down a rural highway, I glanced in my rearview mirror and spotted a car very close behind me. Even though I was driving the speed limit, I worried this driver thought I was going too slow. So I stepped on the gas, then suddenly spotted a deer crossing the road, and slammed on the brakes. Thankfully, I didn’t hit the deer or cause a collision. From then on, I decided that faster drivers could just pass me. I was content—and safest— going my own speed.

Have you ever felt pressured to speed up? Maybe not behind the wheel, but in life? Well-meaning people can sometimes ask questions that make us feel just a little bit panicked about the future, such as “When will you know what career to pursue?” or “Have you picked your college or trade school?” If God hasn’t provided the answers to these questions yet, it can be easy to grow frustrated and doubtful.

But God doesn’t operate the way humans do. He is patient, loving, and all-knowing. He often asks us to wait longer than feels comfortable. He knows that slowing down can allow us to learn to trust in Him and notice His presence in every situation. It can be helpful to remember that God cherishes us as His own children, and He calls us to trust Him with our lives. The surprising thing is, we can have peace in the midst of unknowns as we rely on God in the decision-making process. As a result, we may stand out—and perhaps even encourage others.

It’s okay if your future feels uncertain right now. It’s okay if your path differs from those around you. Only God knows what lies ahead, and He loves you more than you can imagine. • Hannah Chung

• Has there ever been a time when you’ve felt pressured to have your future perfectly mapped out? God doesn’t expect us to figure out every detail of our futures—that’s His job. Instead, He invites us to rest in Him and seek His wisdom, taking one step at a time as He lovingly guides us. While we may sometimes want to know the whole plan ahead of time, Jesus knows what we need each day, and He will never leave us.

• What questions do you have about your future? Consider taking a moment to talk to Jesus about whatever is on your mind. You can be honest with Him about any anxiety you feel—He has so much compassion on you, and He wants to share His peace and comfort. (2 Corinthians 1:3-11)

[Jesus said,] “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:34 (NIV)