Or: How to Face the “Unknown Future” with the One Who Is Always Known
Pelitkota.id Do you remember the last time you felt “crushed” by life’s pressures? When problems piled up and the future looked like a dark, endless tunnel? Many of us choose to run away – hiding behind habits, anxiety, or even sadness. But what if I told you: the solution to your fear isn’t behind the walls you build, but in the presence of God who holds the key to EVERYTHING?
There’s a Javanese proverb that fits this perfectly: “Loro nggon, loro raos – ora ana sing bisa nyingkiri masalah” (Literal translation: “Two places, two ways – no one can escape problems”). It means, no matter where we are or what we do, problems are unavoidable. So it’s better to face them with courage!
1. “Avoiding Problems” Isn’t the Biblical Answer
The Bible never teaches us to run from challenges. In fact, Jesus Himself said clearly:
“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33, NIV).
This doesn’t mean trouble will disappear – but it means we’re not alone in facing it. When Saul first became king, he was afraid to face the powerful Philistines (1 Samuel 17:1-11). He chose to hide in a grain storehouse, avoiding the problem he had to face. But David? He didn’t run – he faced Goliath with faith rooted in God’s word:
“I know that the Lord will give me victory over you, so that everyone in the world will know that there is a God in Israel” (1 Samuel 17:46, NIV paraphrased).
The difference between them wasn’t physical strength, but trust in the One Who Holds Everything. As another Javanese proverb says: “Ojo wedi medeni, wedi wae kudu wae” (Literal translation: “Don’t be afraid of what scares you – even if you’re afraid, you still have to face it”).
2. Entrust the “Unknown” to the “Known”
“Never be afraid to entrust the unknown future to the known God.” This sentence is full of theological meaning! The Bible declares that God isn’t just someone who exists – but someone who is sovereign over history, time, and even death:
“For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him” (Colossians 1:16, NIV);
“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty” (Revelation 1:8, NIV).
Remember Abraham? He had to go to a land he didn’t know, without a map and without knowing what he’d find. But God said to him:
“Lift up your eyes from where you are and look north and south, east and west. All the land that you see I will give to you and your offspring forever” (Genesis 13:14-15, NIV).
Abraham went, because he entrusted himself to God whom he knew as “the Promise-Giver.” The result? He became the father of all who believe. A fitting Javanese proverb here: “Nyana ing Gusti, ora perlu wedeni” (Literal translation: “If you trust in God, you don’t need to be afraid”). You can do the same: surrender your uncertain future to the certain God.
3. God: Love and Sovereignty in One
Sometimes we get it wrong: thinking God is only loving but not powerful, or only sovereign but not loving. But the Bible shows He is both perfectly!
When Joshua had to lead the Israelites across the flooded Jordan River, he must have been afraid. But God said:
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9, NIV).
Here we see two perfect sides of God: His loving presence, and His sovereignty that made the river stop flowing (Joshua 3:16). Other verses also confirm this:
“For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him” (Psalm 103:11, NIV);
“The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold” (Psalm 18:2, NIV).
As the Javanese proverb says: “Gusti punika pundi kasih, ugi pundi kuwasa” (Literal translation: “God is the source of love, also the source of power”). The God you worship is the same One who created heaven and earth, yet also the One who touches wounds and heals hearts. When life’s pressures make you fall, remember: His mighty hand is still stretched out to touch and restore:
“Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. ‘I am willing,’ he said. ‘Be clean!’ Immediately he was cleansed of his leprosy” (Matthew 8:3, NIV);
“Jesus called in a loud voice, ‘Lazarus, come out!’ The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face” (John 11:43-44, NIV).
4. In God, No Fear Deserves to Rule Your Life
“In God, no fear deserves to determine our lives.” This isn’t empty words – it’s biblical truth! 1 John says:
“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love” (1 John 4:18, NIV).
Fear only has power if we give it space. But when your eyes are fixed on the glorious God, the most fearful heart can become the bravest. Look at Peter – he once was afraid to admit he knew Jesus (Matthew 26:69-75), but after seeing His glory on the Mount of Transfiguration, he became a disciple brave enough to die for his faith:
“There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light” (Matthew 17:2, NIV).
A fitting Javanese proverb here: “Ningali Gusti, ati dadi wani” (Literal translation: “Looking at God, the heart becomes brave”). One glimpse of Him is enough to change everything.
So when fear comes and problems make you want to run – stop. Remember:
– Avoiding problems isn’t the answer; experiencing God’s presence is.
– Entrusting the unknown future to the known God is wisdom.
– He is God who is both loving and sovereign, whose hand is always stretched out to restore.
– In Him, no fear deserves to rule your life.
Stand firm in faith! For the God you worship is the One Who Holds Everything – including your beautiful future.
God bless you always, friends! May this message strengthen your heart and faith.
By Romo Kefas