We don’t like being kept in the dark.
We also don’t like our futures being in someone else’s hands. But, as we learn in John 14, Jesus left his disciples in order to prepare a place for them, even though the disciples don’t know the details about that plan, such as when they’ll go there, how they’ll get there, or when Jesus will be back to take them there.
That seems sort of rude of Jesus, just to leave them hanging like that, until we remember that Jesus is incapable of being rude, and there is always a larger plan at hand.
Still, that unknowing can be stressful and might give one anxiety. Thankfully, we can actually find peace in the unknowns that are the Lord’s plans for us.
Think about it. If we aren’t having to intricately lay out and coordinate every step of our lives — those we feel confident about and those we don’t — how much more time would we have to rest in God and feel the calming truth that he’s in control? It runs counter to everything we’re taught in the secular world, but it would give us a massive advantage to live lives that aren’t fixated on every single detail of our days, but instead spent enjoying God.
When Thomas asks Jesus how they will know the way to the place he’s making, the answer is simple:
“If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.”
— John 14:7
Just know Jesus.
That’s all. If we seek, study and process the nature and heart of God, all of our questions, fears and anxieties will be answered. It’s not revolutionary. Every Christian has probably been told this no less than 20 times in his or her life, but it’s incredibly true.
For every fear that stems from the whos, whats, whens, wheres and whys of life, there is an empty grave. Jesus has risen and, just as he provided a way for the disciples, so will he for you and me.