Struggles as Christians: How To Overcome (Part three)
Uncertainty is one of our struggles.
It’s hard to trust when things are uncertain. And yet, when you think about it, there is always some degree of uncertainty in life. Life is ever-evolving. And some years it seems like change is the norm.
And even when life seems certain, wait a second. It will change. Count on it.
In fact, there is more uncertainty in life than there is certainty. But it can be especially challenging for Christians who are called to walk by faith, and not by sight. This journey requires a deep reliance on God’s promises, even when the outcomes are unclear. When the path ahead is unclear, trusting God can feel like stepping into the unknown without a safety net.
Fear doesn’t help
I’m a natural scaredy-cat. It’s hard for me to trust God. I have to step out in faith all the time, or I would never walk at all. I’ve done a few author promotions, and I’ve trembled in fear the whole time. I’m afraid to even talk about my books. How ridiculous is that? Hundreds and hundreds of hours of work, and yet I get scared every time someone asks me about my books. (God has really been convicting me about this.)
Embrace the uncertainty.
However, embracing this uncertainty can lead to profound growth and spiritual maturity, enabling us to navigate life’s complexities with greater grace and strength. It allows us to develop resilience, a crucial skill that helps us bounce back from adversity, and fosters a greater understanding of God’s sovereignty over our circumstances.
In recognizing that our experiences are part of a divine plan, we find comfort and peace. This perspective encourages us to trust in the unfolding journey, providing the opportunity to surrender our fears and anxieties to Him. We can know that we are guided and supported every step of the way. Ultimately, this process cultivates a deeper relationship with God, helping us to grow in faith and compassion towards ourselves and others.
However, this is also probably one of the hardest things to do as Christians. Sometimes, visualization can help. Think of a windy path through the woods. You can’t see around the corner. But God walks before you with a flashlight illuminating your path. He looks back at you now and then and says, “It’s OK. Just keep following me.”
In these moments, verses like this become a vital lifeline.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways submit to him and and he will you make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6
Real-Life Reflection: David faced a season of career uncertainty that left him questioning his purpose. He had always been a planner, but when his carefully laid plans fell apart, he felt lost. David was on the fast track to a big promotion when a car accident derailed him and left him permanently injured. He knew his career was over.
But through prayer and seeking counsel from trusted mentors, David began to see God’s plan unfolding in ways he had not expected. He learned to take one step at a time. He trusted that God was guiding him, even when the destination wasn’t clear.
The career path he had planned took another, but better turn. He learned he could do even greater things because of the uncertainty of his health. Eventually, he learned to appreciate his limitations. Like the apostle Paul, he learned grace through the “thorn in his side.”(2 Corinthians 12:7-10.)
Devotional Questions:
- When have you faced uncertainty in your life?
- How did you learn to trust God during that time?
- What steps can you take to strengthen your faith in uncertain seasons?
God bless, and have a great day.
-
when unexpected fear overwhelms you, three practical steps to take
Anyone can feel fear but for some people, it’s a constant. There can be any number of reasons why. But in the end, it only matters that you know what to do. Read more
-
A new approach. I hope you like it.
Sometimes, new is good. I hope you’ll overlook the fact that I am reposting. I wanted to see what this looked like. Maybe I’ll post something like this every end-of-month, so in case you didn’t read a post, they are all in one place. So, what do you think? Besides, trying something new is good, Read more
-
How to really evaluate a struggling friendship
Navigating the Murky Waters of Friendship Breakups: When to Call it Quits A friendship, like any relationship, requires nurturing, understanding, and effort to thrive and flourish over time. They enrich our lives, providing companionship and support, but sometimes, despite our best intentions, friendships drift, change, or even become toxic, leading to feelings of discomfort or Read more
-
Are you putting the most important things first?
Most of us are bad about recognizing what ARE the most important things. Have you heard of the Pareto Principle? You may have heard of it as the 80/20 rule. Simply said, out of ten projects on your plate, 20% of your activity will result in 80% outcome. So we want to make sure we Read more
-
Why it’s important to talk about relationships
We spend so much time talking about careers, money, and goals – but relationships deserve just as much attention. I am currently writing a short e-book covering this subject. This is the beginning. Here’s some parameters as to why we need healthy relationships. They shape our mental health 🧠 Positive, supportive connections can significantly enhance Read more
-
God’s perfect timing and why it’s important in our lives.
God’s Timing and Its Significance In Our Lives Monday, I wrote about timing and mental health. What I didn’t mention was God’s timing, which I always find interesting and unexpected. Like all this with my a-fib. Why did my husband insist I contact my doctor when he did? Why did a friend suggest I find Read more
