Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9, ESV)

May is a month of transition within a year full of change. I will complete a fellowship program and look for jobs that are not directly related to my college degree. In a few weeks, I’ll be walking into a sea of unknown.

I am not one who naturally embraces the unknown with a sense of adventure and whimsy. I find it difficult to think of the potential that is within the unknown.

In my mind, the Unknown is dreadful — like a monster that hides under my bed. The Unknown brings unrest and unease. I can’t plan an interview with him, and I’m not sure if I’m even qualified to give him a call. There are fewer and fewer days remaining before I meet with the Unknown face-to-face.

I realize this perspective is forgetful of God and His promises. Like the narrator of Ecclesiastes, Qoheleth, I can be misled by my own ill-conceived wisdom, believing that all is wind and vanity and that God’s wisdom is not enough. I often miss the bigger, Truer picture. I must look at the Unknown through a new light, with my feet rooted in God’s Truth.

Of course, reflection reminds me that the Unknown is not as foreboding as I tend to imagine. God has used the Unknown for His glory. He has brought me gifts, like my church, my marriage, and rich friendships. He has ushered me into a fellowship program that feeds my desire to learn more about God and Truth. When I have walked up to the Unknown with a door swinging wide to a season filled with trials and challenge, God has always made sure to meet me with friends and loved ones close by.

The Unknown is only dreadful when I forget that the Creator of all things is also the Knower of all time.

As Abraham, Sarah, and Jacob were renamed by God at the cusp of great change and revelation, I feel God calling me to give the Unknown a new name. This name should acknowledge how the Unknown is only unknown to me, not to God. It should reflect hope and embrace the mystery of the months ahead.

“No longer shall your name be called Unknown, but your name shall be

Wonder, for you are a mystery that is known by the King of all creation.”

Genesis 17:5 (adapted by Gabby Wenos)

This month, I intend to leap into Wonder while drawing near to Christ. Whether exercising in the gym, running on the trails, applying for jobs, or cooking a meal with my husband, I pray that I can step back and let God take the lead.

How do you feel when walking into a time of change or transition? Does the unknown thrill you or scare you? How can you move in faith today?

Let’s pray against fear and receive God’s call to “be strong and courageous” (Joshua 1:9)!