Then you will know which way to go, since you have never been this way before. Joshua 3:4 (NIV)

As we consider the future and take the journey into the unknown it’s true to say we “have never been this way before” Joshua 3:4. The way ahead is a mystery. Tomorrow is unknown.

So how do we journey into the unknown? How do we prepare for the trip ahead? And how do we equip ourselves to deal with joy or sorrow, success or failure, prosperity or poverty?

Here are four helpful maxims as you journey into the unknown:

Maxim one: Make God’s Word a priority. You can’t neglect the Bible if you want to face the future with confidence. The Bible helps you meet the temptations, troubles, and toils of life. It’s the Word of truth to inspire you and help you live life to the fullest. It’s “God’s chart for you to steer by, to keep you from the bottom of the sea, and to show you where the harbour is, and how to reach it without running on rocks or bars” Henry Ward Beecher.

Maxim two: Prayer must be perpetual. Prayer must be seemingly ceaseless. That’s the sense of 1 Thessalonians 5:17 when it says we must “pray continually.” Prayer must be to the Christian what breathing is to every living organism. You will never have the character or power to face the challenges and successes ahead unless you spend time in prayer. So pray “on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests” Ephesians 6:18.

Maxim three: Giving must be plentiful. God should get the best of all we have to give. We should give Him the first day of the week by setting Sunday aside as a day of praise and worship. We should give Him the first part of each day; “It should be our rule never to see the face of man in the morning before seeing the face of God” C. H. Spurgeon. We should give Him our service; “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms” 1 Peter 4:10. And we should give Him the first portion of our earnings; “Just as you excel in everything – in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us – see that you also excel in this grace of giving” 2 Corinthians 8:7.

Maxim four. Our witness must be powerful. “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation” Mark 16:15. Let’s face the future with a reality check – You and I are the only “Jesus” most people will ever meet!