To the one who is feeling fearful of the future,

I was asked to guest write on my friend @kelseyamandamitchum's blog a little while back... The topic? Dreaming up a future with Jesus - I felt lead to share these words here as well. To the one who is feeling afraid of the future, this one's for you!THE FUTURE: It’s scary, it’s exciting, it’s unknown, it’s overwhelming. This topic has been a huge one in this season of life for me. To anyone who may be in the same boat: asking the questions in your mind over and over again regarding school and relationships and jobs and calling and what step to take next and SO many others, my encouragement to you, as the Lord has been encouraging me is this — think about the future, dream about the future, PRAY about the future, but not so much that it consumes you, not so much that it constantly takes away from right now, this moment that you have right in front of you. The future is made up of a whole lot of right now moments. Press into Him in the right now, whatever season you’re in, let Him give you peace that helps you to live in abundant joy no matter what your concerns about the future may be.Friend, surrender it to Jesus... all of it. The fear, the doubts. And again, the unknown. Declare it over every aspect of your life- “the one who thought me into existence before I came to be is in control of what comes next.”  I like to be in control. I like to know what’s ahead. I like reassurance. If you’re the same way, you’re in good company here!!! Slowly but surely, though, I’m learning that there is so much beauty in this life of adventure with Jesus. He is the author and finisher of my story, and of yours. There is so much freedom when we simply release the grip of control and allow the Lord to direct our steps. It’s not always pretty, it’s not always picture perfect, it doesn’t always make sense in the moment or go the way we expected, but He is in the business of working all things together for good. He writes full-circle stories. He sees the big picture when we don’t, that’s the promise we get to cling to when the future gets overwhelming.HE KEEPS HIS PROMISES. When dreaming up a future with Jesus, we get to hold onto that hope, HOW COOL IS THAT?!?!!! I don’t know what He has promised you, I don’t know what you’re praying for, I don’t know what keeps you up at night crippled with fear about the future or in general and I know it’s so much easier said than done, but rest assured today that you. do. not. have. to. have. it. all. figured. out. Say it to yourself. Then say it again. Then say it one more time. “I don’t have to have it all figured out!” As a matter of fact, as much as we hate it sometimes, it’s better that you don’t because it gives God room to do what only He can do in your life. I challenge you, (and myself), to step out into the unknown waters of the future with your palms open, and not with a white knuckled grip. Watch Him exceed your expectations when you lay your own at His feet. Fear only has as much power over you as you give it, so stop giving it power. The concept really is that simple.An adventure with Jesus is better than anything this world has to offer. Don’t settle for what’s comfortable, let Jesus usher you into His best for your life. You will have the desires of your heart if you surrender to His will and His plan, let Him transform your heart, especially in the seasons when it feels like things aren’t going the way you planned. One day, you will look back and be so glad that you did, you will be so glad that you let Jesus lead the way.< 3 Maddie Joy“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” / Joshua 1:9“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” / Matthew 6:34“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to His purpose.” / Romans 8:28