Josiah Road

Facing the Unknown

posted by Sarah Gallagher 7Jan

Do you remember the first time you scaled the ladder of the high dive? I do. It was an incredible summer day, the water was fine, and I was ready to take the leap of death into the cool water. I felt both nervous and excited. I couldn’t stop shivering but I didn’t know if it was from anxiety or the wind against my wet bathing suit.

When my turn came, I began to climb, realizing how much empty space separated my feet from the ground. I became more nervous–fearing what I had never experienced. I had been told the high dive was the next best thing to the waterslides, but at that new altitude, I was not so certain.

As I shuffled to the edge of the diving board, my heart skipped a beat. I slowly felt the rail all the way to the edge, bounced on the board a couple times–mustering my courage, questioning my bravery–and finally jumped, flailing into the water below. As my head broke the water’s surface, I looked up at the board through wet eyelashes and wondered why I had never tried it before.

Since then I have learned that life is a lot like this adventure on the diving board—often thrilling, yet sometimes terrifying. There are so many unknowns, yet I must take the leap of faith, knowing I will always land in my Savior’s arms. It is so hard to have faith and trust in someone’s abilities and knowledge beyond my own because I am a selfish person at times who loves to call the shots. However, God promises riches and blessings to those that follow His will, even when I am pursuing the unknown. I may pursue an unknown future, but I will never pursue an unknown God. He will always make Himself evident, even when the details of His plan and blessings are not.

In three weeks I will be graduating from high school. It is common knowledge that graduation is a bitter-sweet occasion. It is so exciting to depart and head off into new adventures that only college can bring, but at the same time, it is hard to leave beloved friends and family. My biggest struggle is coping with the unknown. I am facing many unknowns right now: for one, I am uncertain which college I will attend this fall because I do not know from where most of the finances will come. However in the darkest hour, God always pulls through. I have had some tremendous opportunities and blessings lately that are guiding me toward a particular school and answering both of my major “unknown” concerns. God is pulling through because I have been fully reliant on Him to meet my needs and care for me.

Years ago I was in a Christian bookstore in my hometown and I picked up a bookmark that read: I may not know what the future holds, but I know Who holds the future. That quote has stuck with me because daily I face unknowns. Facing these unknowns scares me. However, I know I will never be alone and that I will always be taken care of because the same One that breathed life into my very being also guides and watches over me now. I know He will deliver me in spite of my fears and will continue to hold me up when these fears threaten to keep me from following His will.