For me, I have always feared and dreaded uncharted territory.  How about you?  And sometimes what seemed to be uncharted territory for me were the summers of doubt about the ”homeschooling fall” that seemed to loom ahead of me. The feeling of an unclear road map detailing my future clouded the freedom, rest and peace that the warm, relaxed, sunny days of summer should have held.

Reading in the Old Testament, I see that God’s road map for His people was clear.  God knew where he wanted his people to go and was faithful to lead them there.  There were some things that God used to strengthen His people, and the same things are available to us today as we face our challenges, fears and doubts. 

The people of Israel while standing on the banks of the Jordon River had one sure thing…they had the record of God’s performance on their behalf, in the past, and so do we!

For forty years, God’s people had been wandering in the desert, yet God wonderfully and miraculously cared for them.  First, they got into the wilderness through the miracle of walking through the Red Sea, then God gave them a guidance system.  Each day, for forty years, they were led by a pillar of cloud.  At night they were led by a pillar of fire.  They were wandering, but God was leading them.  God spoke through Moses, “I have led you for years in the wilderness.  Your clothes have not worn out on you and your sandals have not worn out on your feet.”  Deuteronomy 29:5

This summer, if you feel like you are uncertain of the direction you are to go in…feel doubt and fear of what is ahead closing in on you.. remember that you have God’s road map. You have the record of God’s faithfulness.  And then do one simple thing, take a look at the sandals on your feet.  I am sure yours are much like mine…in pretty good shape and definitely not worn off my feet!

Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not.  They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.  Lamentations 3:22-23