A story is told about an old mariner’s chart on display in the British Museum in London. The map, drawn in 1525, shows the North American coastline. The cartographer wrote several intriguing notations on areas of the map representing unexplored regions. He wrote: “Here be giants,” “Here be fiery scorpions,” and “Here be dragons.”
The map was reportedly acquired by British explorer Sir John Franklin. Crossing out the fearful phrases, he wrote these words across the map: “Here is God!”
Psychologists believe fear of the unknown may be the fundamental fear underlying all anxiety. Most of us would prefer to choose our own adventure, complete with a detailed itinerary and plans for our comfort. Rather than viewing delays and opposition as opportunities through which God may be leading us, we can easily see them as hindrances.
The adventure that Jesus invites us to begins with “Follow me” (Matthew 4:19). Following Him means going wherever, whenever, and however He leads. Yet we never go alone. We have the promise that His Spirit is with us through it all.
Do you realize that you cannot exaggerate what God can do? His plan for our lives will always surpass what we can ask or imagine. Ephesians 3:20 declares, “Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.” He is the God of unlimited possibilities and new things (Isaiah 43:19)!
Rather than fearing what we don’t know, let’s lean into what we do know. Every day, we can replace our uncertainties with this truth: “Here is God!”
We may not know what lies ahead, but we can be confident that God is already there. We can step boldly into the unknown, trusting that He is at work in the “exceeding abundantly above all” moments of our lives.
Today’s More to Life Moment
What unknown situation are you facing today? Instead of allowing fear to fill in the blanks, pause and remind yourself: “Here is God!” What would change if you approached that situation with confidence in His presence rather than fear of the unknown?
Prayer
Lord, when I cannot see what lies ahead, help me remember that You can. When I feel uncertain, remind me that I am never alone. Give me the courage to follow You wherever You lead and the faith to trust You with what I cannot understand. Help me to replace fear with confidence in Your presence and uncertainty with the assurance that You are already at work. I surrender my plans and expectations to You today. Lead me into whatever You have prepared, knowing that Your plans are greater than anything I could ask or imagine. In Jesus’ name, amen.
TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL WAS WRITTEN BY JULIE LONG.
