It’s pitch black outside, the stars peaking out from the night clouds. She peddles faster, her breath appearing when she passes under a light. Turning onto the trail that takes her through the middle of town, she realizes she can’t see a thing. Stopping, she stares into the night debating what to do. Does she dare peddle blindly forward on the twisting path? What about backtracking to the lit streets? This path isn’t that familiar and seems a bit scary, the other path may be easier. She gets back on the bike, takes a deep breath and pushes on.
A bit weary at first, she almost falls down in doubt; but then with faith she picks up speed. At times she can’t even tell if she is on the path, it is silent all around. Up ahead there is a light, the bridge that will take her closer to home. Confidently her tires turn faster and she smiles in accomplishment. Home is near and her tired body can finally rest. As she crosses under the bridge, it seems to get lighter and she sees more clearly.
Isn’t this what life is like? The path ahead appears dark at times and we can’t see anything. It’s only by faith that we can blindly move forward, navigating the twists and turns. Staying steady when the terrain changes. The times we get caught up in doubt are the times that we fall down; and if we lose all faith we can’t seem to get back up. It may seem like a better idea to ignore the unknown path, and try to control the elements surrounding us. Or at least think we can control it.
Fear of the unknown, inhibits life. We mess out on the glorious riches that have been provided to us. The adventure is never lived and our potential never seen. The path doesn’t lead us home, it leads us to a more familiar and comfortable place. At least that’s what we presume. We ignore the incomplete feeling inside, because it’s too hard to face it.
We weren’t called to be comfortable or safe. We weren’t promised an easy life, but the unknown path that is beckoning us leads us to a better home then we could ever imagine. It unites a body, a family in Christ. It leads us to live a life of potential, a life that gives so much to others. A life lived for a greater purpose.
Take a deep breath and peddle on, it’s worth it. 
“I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them.” Isaiah 42:16
