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Journey of Unknowns

Scripture: "For I know the plans I have for you", declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." - Jeremiah 29:11

We move a lot. We relocate to states where we are like "strangers in a foreign land" for the most part. While the impetus for these moves are in part due to my husband's job, our moves are also wrapped in prayer and I have come to see God's hand in each move. As my faith and relationship with Christ deepens and the unknowns creep in, I have learned to pray, trust, and hold onto the breathtaking promise in Jeremiah 29:11. And yet, God has never failed to provide us with a roof over our heads, a church family, new friends, and opportunities to serve His kingdom. I see these as blessings hidden in the unknowns. 

This started me thinking about the journey of unknowns Joseph and Mary took when they went to Bethlehem. Did they travel to Bethlehem for the census with the plan to return to Nazareth as soon as that was completed? Not an easy journey considering Mary's advanced state of pregnancy and yet, on faith they went with no reservations (lodging or otherwise). God provided for them: they found a place to stay, became parents of a newborn, met new 
people, and joined in worship in the most humble of sanctuaries, what we call a stable. The Creator of the Cosmos presented them with His "plan of hope and a future" and that hope and eternal future, Immanuel, was cradled in Mary's arms. We will always have unknowns in life, but praise God for the gift of Immanuel, God with us; our hope and future! Now that is a promise that can see us through all the unknowns.

Prayer: Oh, God of the Cosmos, help us to respond to our unknowns by cradling your promise that you have a plan that will always provide hope and a future. And we humbly ask for the courage to share with others the blessed news: "God is with us!" Amen. 

Mary Steinwandt
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