There’s always a little uncertainty about winter weather in Ohio.  One forecast calls for tons of snow; another predicts we will have little snow but frigid temperatures.  Quite frankly, I just want to know if I should be preparing my ‘snow-shoveling muscles.’  (I’m not even sure if I have any.  I wonder if I can buy them on Amazon?)  A few years back I remember opening my garage door and having the snow reach my shoulders, which completely ended the thought of going anywhere, and totally changed all plans for that day.  Is it too much to ask what to expect?  Is it too much to want to get ready for any contingency?

Sometimes the future feels like that too-total uncertainty.  We just want to know what’s coming so we can be prepared.  Fortunately, there is a way to get ready for the unknowns that are ahead of us. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding; In all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.”  (Proverbs 3:5-6)  Let’s be honest, we’re all going to face challenges in this coming year, but knowing we don’t have to face them alone should erase our fears.  Since God is always with us, we can remain steadfast. “Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)   Clearly, we can’t predict what tomorrow will bring, but we do have an absolute  guarantee.  From Isaiah 43:2, “I will be with you.”   Let this sink into your heart: You are not going to face even one minute of your future alone; and that, my friend, is a promise.