The Unknown

Picture this: you've never been on a roller coaster before. The line stretches out ahead, and you can hear the screams as the riders zoom overhead. Your heart's racing with excitement, but there's also that nagging fear of the unknown. Palms began to sweat, and throat becomes dry. We've all felt this way at some point. It's that unsettling feeling of not knowing what's coming next and realizing we can't control it. In moments like these, it's key to remember that our Savior understands, cares, and has gone through those overwhelming emotions too.

In times of uncertainty, it is important to know that God knows. He controls what will happen and is prepared for the outcome. When we believe that the all-knowing, all-powerful, all- loving, all-merciful God is working for our good we can start to release the fear and replace it with trust. Hebrews 4:9-16 (Go read it) tells us that Jesus had been tempted but never sinned. Jesus knew that the Father is always with Him and relied on His strength, not His own. That is the example that we are to follow. On our own we can do nothing apart from Christ. God see's all that is done, said and even thought. He is never surprised by what is to come or how the outcome of a situation will play out. To be in full control of all, He knows all, this should give us rest in knowing that with Jesus on our side we have a prepared rescuer to assist us when trials arise.

Jesus experienced the same emotions we encounter daily. He understands thirst, hunger, sorrow, sickness, rejection, and betrayal. Jesus was not spared from life's hardships; instead, He was immersed in its deepest pain. His friends betrayed Him, and many rejected Him, leading to His death. He felt the sorrow of seeing loved ones die for His name's sake. Yet, He never gave up. He sought answers from the Father and trusted in His will. Jesus is God who came down in human form and faced life's brutal pain so we might be saved. The compassion and love required to leave heaven and willingly face such trials for our comfort is beyond words. That is love in its most profound form.

In my most painful moment, I was told that I am not special. This realization struck me: everyone experiences pain. Everyone suffers and carries burdens, but not everyone has someone to rely on when life becomes overwhelming. I feel sorry for those who don't believe because they face life's challenges alone, unnecessarily. They choose to struggle and take the hard path willingly. Imagine this: it's snowing, freezing, and you're walking for miles without shoes or a jacket. Your lips are chapped and bleeding, your feet are numb from the icy ground, and your hands are cracking. As the night grows colder, you pass a house filled with warmth, food, and clothing. Though it requires a few extra steps to reach, the rewards are immense: shelter, warmth, protection, and rest. Instead of seeking refuge, you convince yourself it's a mirage and continue in the snow. You listen to others who doubt the house's existence and ignore the reality. Jesus is that protection, comfort, and rest. He is the house where our soul should reside, the righteous clothing shielding us from harsh elements, and the bread of life that quenches our thirst forever. He knows where we are in life and wants to help us. He loves us and simply asks that we take a step out of our way and knock on the door of salvation. Jesus wants a personal relationship with us, built out of love not rules. He wants us to want Him. The decision to trust Him is yours, but rest assured, you are never alone, and there is a Redeemer eager to assist you. In moments when everything else falters, when I feel isolated, or when I'm uncertain, I am grateful to have the Most Powerful God to call upon. He hears me and answers because I trust Him. Can you say the same?

By Hannah Austin

June 13, 2025 @ 12PM