“The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8 (NIV)
Facing uncertainty is stressful. If your path forward is obscured by clouds of doubt or fear, it’s natural to feel concerned. Whether it’s a challenging assignment at work, a shift in responsibilities at church, or any other significant change, uncertainty can feel overwhelming. But there is a wonderful truth that can bring you peace in the middle of uncertainty: God is already in your future!
The Bible promises you in Deuteronomy 31:8 (NIV) that God himself goes before you into whatever new situation you face, and he will continue to be with you there. This verse – which Moses spoke to Joshua as he prepared to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land – is a powerful reminder that God is not only present with you in your current circumstances, but God is also already at work in the days, months, and years ahead for you.
The idea that God “goes before you” is both awe-inspiring and comforting. It means that no matter what situation you’re stepping into – whether it’s an unknown work project, a new ministry role, or a major life transition – God has already been there. He has already prepared the way for you.
When you think of God going before you, remember that the Bible describes God’s work as a shepherd leading his sheep. A shepherd doesn’t just walk alongside his sheep; he goes ahead of them, ensuring the path is safe, clearing away any dangers, and guiding them to green pastures. In the same way, God is preparing your way, ensuring that everything you encounter is part of his divine plan for your life. This doesn’t mean that the path will always be smooth or that you will be spared from challenges. But it does mean that God, in his infinite wisdom, has already taken every obstacle into account. He knows the twists and turns of your journey, and he has already made provisions for them.
While it is comforting to know that God is ahead of you, clearing the way, it’s equally reassuring to remember that God is with you in the present. You are never alone. In every new situation, God is not just watching from a distance. God is walking right beside you, offering you peace, guidance, and strength. Sometimes, in the face of a new challenge, you can feel isolated, as if the weight of the world rests solely on your shoulders. But the truth is that God is carrying that burden with you. God’s presence is a constant source of encouragement and support, giving you the courage to take the next step, even when you can’t see the entire path.
One of the greatest fears in times of change is the fear of abandonment – of being left to fend for yourself. But God’s promise is clear: He will never leave you nor forsake you (Deuteronomy 31:8). This is a promise of unending faithfulness. Unlike people, who may fail you or leave you, God’s loving commitment is completely reliable. Even if others walk away or circumstances shift in unexpected ways, God remains. He is the one constant in a changing world.
Given these promises – that God goes before you, that God is with you, and that God will never leave you – there is no need to be afraid or discouraged. Fear often comes from the unknown, the possibility of failure, or the fear of being inadequate for the task at hand. But when you trust in God’s presence and plan, you can move forward with confidence, knowing that God is in control. Discouragement can creep in when things don’t go as planned, or when the journey is harder than expected. But remember, God is working all things together for your good. He is weaving a beautiful tapestry from the threads of your life, and even when you can’t see the full picture, you can trust that his design is perfect.
So, whatever new situation you are facing today – at work, school, church, or in any other area of your life – remember that God is already in your future. He has prepared the way, he is with you now, and he will never leave you. Let go of fear and discouragement and embrace the peace that comes from trusting in God’s faithful presence and perfect plan.
Let’s pray:
Heavenly Father, thank you for the wonderful promise that you go before me and that you are always with me. When I face the uncertainty of new challenges, help me to trust in your presence and plan. I’m grateful that I am never alone and that you have already prepared the way for me. Strengthen my heart when I’m tempted to fear or become discouraged, and remind me that you will never leave me nor forsake me. I place my future in your hands, knowing that you are working out everything for what’s best in my life. Thank you, God. I love you. Amen.
Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/BrianAJackson
Whitney Hopler helps people discover God's wonder and experience awe. She is the author of several books, including the nonfiction books Wake Up to Wonder and Wonder Through the Year: A Daily Devotional for Every Year, and the young adult novel Dream Factory. Whitney has served as an editor at leading media organizations, including Crosswalk.com, The Salvation Army USA’s national publications, and Dotdash.com (where she produced a popular channel on angels and miracles). She currently leads the communications work at George Mason University’s Center for the Advancement of Well-Being. Connect with Whitney on her website at www.whitneyhopler.com, on Facebook, and on X/Twitter.
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