Following Jesus into the Unknown

However, serving God often entails following Jesus into the unknown. He may call us to a new location, community, task, role, or relationship.

Venturing into unfamiliar territory can feel scary. We may fear losing financial stability, be concerned about our health and safety, or worry we’ll fail and be rejected.  

Even if it’s something we’re looking forward to, anything new and different involves uncertainty. We can’t fully know what to expect or learn how to navigate the new circumstances until we’re there. 

Throughout my life, I’ve lived in the sheltered familiar, then stepped out to follow Christ into the unpredictable unknown. After spending the first 18 years of my life as a quiet girl in a small northwestern Kansas town, God led me to various roles in diverse communities in the United States and overseas. 

In my first year of college in Omaha, Nebraska, I followed God’s leading to volunteer with a South Sudanese ministry. This entailed driving into some of the roughest neighborhoods to transport kids to a park or YMCA where we’d teach them a Bible lesson and feed them dinner. I was completely beyond my comfort zone, and I felt exceedingly unqualified. Though several of the kids frequently asked us to pray for family members who were involved with gangs or in prison, I never felt threatened in those neighborhoods and was occasionally invited and welcomed into the students’ apartments. My biggest fear was getting lost when I was driving.

After graduating from Grace University, I obeyed God’s call to move to China to teach at an international school. China had never been on my radar, but as I investigated the opportunity, God opened my heart. In my three years there, I faced a number of challenges, such as getting lost while not speaking the language, coaching and working with a youth group for the first time, and working through illness, injuries, and grief.    

Navigating the unknown isn’t easy, but the people I’ve met and the work I’ve seen God do have made each scenario worth the temporary discomfort.

Here are some lessons I’ve learned that have enabled me to accept and navigate each new situation with a faith stronger than my fears:

1. Look Beyond Yourself 

“Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others” (Philippians 2:3-4, NASB).

None of us like to admit we’re selfish, but some circumstances bring out that trait. Facing a new situation is one of those. Our first inclination is likely to look inward with such questions as:

-How do I feel about this opportunity?

-Do I want to do it?

-How will it affect me?

-What if I can’t do it?

-What if I make mistakes and fail?

-What if I …?

In order to even consider stepping into the unknown, we need to set our personal worries aside and look outward to Christ, others, and our ultimate purpose. 

2. Pray About the Opportunity

“With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit” (Ephesians 6:18, NASB).

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6, NASB).

Pray earnestly about every potential opening. Ask God if it’s something He wants you to do and if it’s the right time for it. Some good reminders are:

-God isn’t asking you to fill every need, even if you’re qualified to do so.

-A long-held prayer and desire to do something doesn’t always mean it’s the right time or that it’s a good fit for you.

-A lack of interest, desire, knowledge, or ability doesn’t mean God isn’t leading you to say yes.

Continue to pursue God’s guidance as you take time to consider the new possibility, seek counsel from others, and learn what you can about the reason behind the opportunity. 

3. Take Time

“The plans of the diligent lead surely to advantage, But everyone who is hasty comes surely to poverty” (Proverbs 21:5, NASB).

It isn’t wise to rush into things, no matter how great or perfect the occasion sounds. Instead, take time to pray, learn more about the situation, and ask for outside input.

4. Seek Counsel from Others

“Where there is no guidance the people fall, But in abundance of counselors there is victory” (Proverbs 11:14, NASB).

Talk to people who know you, who have been in similar positions to the one you’re considering, and who are currently involved with the new situation. 

-Ask those who know you what their thoughts and impressions are about you taking on the change. Do they have any concerns?

-Ask those who are or have been in a similar position about their experiences, positive and negative.

5. Understand the Vision

“Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained, But happy is he who keeps the law” (Proverbs 29:18, NASB).

“For this purpose also I labor, striving according to His power, which mightily works within me” (Colossians 1:29, NASB).

It’s incredibly important to understand the “why” behind the opportunity. 

-What is the vision?

-Why are you considering it?

-Why might God be leading you to say yes?

-How does the vision align with your unique gifts and calling?

Knowing the “why” behind the new and unknown helps you keep going when it’s scary, difficult, and uncomfortable. It gives you a purpose greater than yourself. The apostles were willing and able to endure countless hardships because they understood why they were laboring, striving, and going.  

6. Keep Christ at the Forefront

“Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart” (Hebrews 12:1-3, NASB).

Jesus Christ followed God’s leading through every manner of pain and discomfort. Remembering He has gone before us can give us the courage to follow God as well. 

7. Trust God with Your Fears 

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9, NASB).

Fears related to the unknown may run the gamut from concerns over your health and safety to anxiety over potential embarrassment. Whatever your worries may be, it helps to identify them, talk to God about them, and know He will be with you no matter what happens.  

8. Trust the Holy Spirit to Guide You

“The mind of man plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps” (Proverbs 16:9, NASB).

Once you make the decision to follow Jesus into the unknown, trust that as He has guided you to the new opportunity, the Holy Spirit will continue to lead you through it, one step at a time.

9. Set Reasonable, Unglamorous Expectations

Be willing to look like an ignorant fool. Paul referred to himself and other workers for Christ as “fools for Christ’s sake” (1 Corinthians 4:10). Don’t worry about trying to look good or appear wise. Simply focus on doing what Christ is asking you to do. And if that makes you look or feel like a fool, just know you’re in good company.

-Expect to Feel Uncomfortable. Anything new takes a while to adapt to. If your life is changing, don’t expect it to have the same comforts. Settle into the discomfort, knowing it won’t last forever.  

-Allow Yourself to Make Mistakes. Nobody is perfect, and anyone who is new to something is especially prone to making mistakes. Give yourself permission and grace to make those errors and move on.

-Commit to Learning and Adjusting. Rest in the knowledge that God who led you to the opportunity is able to help you learn and adjust. Commit to this process and the humility it requires. 

Following Jesus into the unknown can have many uncomfortable, awkward, painful, and scary moments. But the peace and joy that comes from walking with God far surpasses all of the negatives. There is nothing better than knowing you are where Christ has led you, doing what He has called you to do.

For additional encouragement, listen to the Faith Over Fear Podcast episode titled “When We Fear the Unknown.”

Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Undefined Undefined

Jenny Fulton is a wife, mother, writer, and member of Wholly Loved Ministries who enjoys studying God’s Word and sharing what she has learned with others. She is the author of Princess Lillian and Grandpa’s Goodbye, A Princess’ Guide to the Alphabet, and Striving for Unity: a Study on 1 Corinthians (upcoming release). An enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, Jenny developed a keen interest in language and cultures. In 2007, she graduated from Grace University with a B.S. in Bible, a B.S. in elementary education, and an endorsement in K-12 ESL. For the next seven years, Jenny worked as a teacher in a variety of cultural and educational settings, both abroad and in the United States. Her days are now spent raising her three young daughters and writing as much as time and opportunity allows.