The Ephesus Pages Devotional: The Prologue

 “It is never easy to place our trust in something unknown, or that may seem impossible, but part of what we are called to do in this life is to let go. The time is near, the path ahead is there waiting for you to place your feet upon, all you have to do is take that first step.”

~ Barnabas to John Mark ~

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There are many things that drive us to fear what we cannot pretend to understand. In the journey of life, we often encounter moments of uncertainty and doubt. The paths set before us are always going to be there, and it is when we face those moments that we are encouraged to put our trust in something bigger. In my newest series, The Ephesus Pages: A Journey Begins, Barnabas encourages John Mark with the words written above just before he leaves to pursue reconciliation with Paul, someone he did not end on good terms with in the past.

When I think about those words, as someone who is learning, they deal with a lot of anxiety; they resonate with me deeply. I know I wrote them, but I reflect a lot upon what I feel God has given me to write. We all face moments when things seem unclear, and that the path ahead is shrouded in mystery. (Yes, that is a pun for part two, Mysteries in Ephesus. Just kidding, I haven’t written those episodes yet.) However, it is in those moments that we must find the courage to take that first step. We must trust that the road ahead will reveal itself as we embrace that first step and embark upon the journey before us. 

This is an essential part of our journey in life, but also our journey in faith. When David struggled with this same thing in scripture, he took his anxious thoughts to God and praised him for the comfort he gave amid those trying times. There is an internal struggle that we all have to work through when we face uncertainty and our minds can become filled with fear and chaos. I know this happens to me more than I would like it to. Amid this insanity, though, we can find comfort because God is right there with us. His presence can bring peace and we can find delight in His heart. 

There is a song I have been listening to a lot lately called, “Your Heart” by Stephen Stanley, and it has encouraged my faith a great deal. 

“When I don’t know where you are… Hindsight… nothing’s gonna tear us apart…
when I’m in my pride… standing at the edge of the dark… your light…
brings me back to where you start.”

The encouraging part of these lyrics, for me anyway, is about letting go, even when I do not know where I am heading. When my thoughts wander away from HIS light, I can trust that regardless of what lies ahead, HE will always be there to bring me back to the start. 

At this moment in The Ephesus Pages: A Journey Begins, John Mark is in a similar place. He has rediscovered himself through the experiences from the missionary work that he and Barnabas have been doing in my previous book, The Cyprus Journal. However, he does not know where all of this is going to lead. John Mark knows God is calling him to step out in faith and trust that the path ahead will become clear, but the fear of the unknown still has a powerful hold on his heart. Barnabas gives him this one last word of advice before he departs from Kyrenia, and John Mark will have to learn to understand exactly what Barnabas meant along the way.

When fear and anxiety overwhelm us, faith in God and trust in his established plans offer encouragement. We can find peace knowing that we are not alone, even though it may feel that way. Through this faith, we discover the true path set before us. In moments of doubt, turn to God in prayer. Seek HIS guiding hand and embrace the strength that HE provides. Meditate on HIS promises and allow HIM to comfort your heart. 

As you reflect on the words from the above quote and the brief passage below, consider where these things may already have a stronghold in your life. Ask questions such as…

What are the unknowns that I’m facing?

What steps can I take to move forward in my faith?

How can I let go of those things today?

Remember this; You are not alone on your journey. There are always going to be moments of fear and doubt, but when we give the concerns of our hearts to God, he will always guide us through the unknown. Find comfort in this and do your best to let go of those things. The time is near, and the path is right there before us. All we need to do is take that first step, knowing that we are not alone. 

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“When my anxious thoughts multiply within me,
Your comfort delights my soul.”

~ Psalm 94:19 (NASB) ~

See You in the Pages,

M.J.E