For weeks, fear has crept up on me, slowly but surely, and with each passing day, the fear grows stronger. Fear of what is to come. The gloom of the unknown has been pressing on me and has taken a toll on my mind, body, and soul. The world around me grows dark and cold. I know a dangerous and life-altering storm awaits me.

The unknown: dark, frightening, overwhelming, stressful.

After endless days of these sinister feelings, a sense of calmness washes over me. I stand a little taller and a slight smile crosses my face. Relief pours through me. For a brief second, I feel as though the storm just passed me by. Oh dear, that is not the case. This is just the calm before the storm.

Yet the calmness lingers and the fear escapes me. I no longer am afraid of the storm that is to come. The Father has calmed his child instead of the storm. God is with me and the storm seems less dangerous now in the light of His glory.

As the thunder cracks and lightning flashes across the sky, I patiently wait for the torrential downpour that is to follow. With one foot in front of the other, I brave the storm in the full armor of God.

Days pass and nights follow, yet my persistence does not deteriorate. As the raindrops fall, I grow stronger in my relationship with Christ.

The dark clouds move on and blue skies are revealed. I look up and smile, knowing I am stronger than ever in my faith. I have realized blessings come even when the skies are dark.

Lately, I have felt the pressure and the stress of the great unknown. I have been pushed and pulled in every direction, needing to make huge decisions that could greatly affect my future. I have felt scared, terrified even. I have felt stressed and overwhelmed. I have felt exhausted and drained.

I have allowed other people to give me their opinions on what I should decide for my life. I have thought about the pros and cons of all my options. However, I have failed to consider the voice of the only One who matters: God.

I hate to admit it, but my days have lacked prayer and moments to just listen to God’s voice lately, especially regarding the decision of my future that needs to be decided (like yesterday).

I need to trust God in whatever direction he chooses to push me. He made plans for my life long before I was born. His plans are great, mighty, worthy and beneficial for not only me, but also His glory. I feel so unequipped for the choices I have to choose between. But my Father is with me and will fully equip me for whatever position he places me in and wherever He takes me. I will succeed, for my God is with me and strengthens me.