READ: DEUTERONOMY 31:8; PSALM 23:4; HEBREWS 13:5-6

I stood anxiously in front of the school doors, feeling as if I was glued to the spot. I had no idea what awaited me inside that building. How could I trust that it was going to be okay when it had all gone wrong before? I was tired of being an outcast. A loner. The one who sat alone at lunch. I hated not knowing what would come next. If only I could see the future and know exactly what I was supposed to do. I would never have to live in fear of what could have or should have been. Instead, I could just be.

Then I realized, even though I couldn’t see the future, I didn’t have to live in fear. God knows exactly what our futures hold. He sees us right now. And He isn’t seeing the outcast or the loner that others might see. He’s seeing us for who we truly are. His children. His workmanship. His faithful servants. Sometimes it’s hard to trust His plan. But it can help to remember that Jesus promised us this life will not be easy. Yet He also promised that He will never leave us. He is with us every step of the way.

I whispered a silent prayer and looked up at the school doors again. “I don’t know what’s going to happen when I step in there, God,” I said quietly to myself. “But you do. And you’re with me no matter what.” Taking a breath, I stepped into the school building.

God knows everything. Even the unknown. And He wants a relationship with you more than you could ever imagine. When you put your trust in Jesus, believing in His death and resurrection, all of God’s wonderful gifts are free. I thank Him every day for giving me the courage to walk into that building. Because it was His plan all along. • Aylen Rosenthal

• Can you think of a time you were afraid of the unknown? What happened? Can you now see any ways God was helping you during that time? Consider taking a moment to thank Him for this. And then, talk to Him about the unknowns you’re facing today. You can ask Him for reminders of His presence and His love for you anytime.

• If you want to dig deeper, read Matthew 24:45-46; 25:23; 28:20; John 16:33; Romans 8:28-39; Ephesians 1:3; 2:10; 1 John 3:1.

“The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.” Isaiah 58:11 (NIV)