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.
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Words and fruit
Wanted to quickly share one of my favorite portions of scripture. I so often forget that my words have a great effect on their most devoted listener-ME! Choosing my words carefully is a resolution for me for this year so I was glad God reminded me. Proverbs 12:14 “A man will be satisfied with good Read more
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Cabana on the beach
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Seasonal Affective Disorder
I was watching a major news show yesterday and one of the hosts shared how she suffers from S.A.D. She teared up a little. It was clear to me she was indeed feeling low. Most of the experts agree it’s a real condition. Also, one of the other staff members, a recovering alcoholic, said studies have shown that Read more
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Vacating the snow
Hubby and I have had enough of this miserable Michigan winter. We are now basking in the warmth of the Florida sunshine. We visited one of my favorites quaint “beachy” resort towns, Seaside. If you saw “The Truman Show” starring Jim Carey, this is where it was filmed. There are some great shops here. I Read more
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keep your heart to yourself
I am scheduling quotes in advance for the next few days as we will be traveling. I love C.S. Lewis. His words are ever a comfort and inspiration to me. From C. S. Lewis: To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything, and your heart will certainly be wrung and possibly be Read more
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climbing up the ladder
I am posting quotes on and off during a couple of periods in Feb. as I might not have my computer readily available. If I do, then I will post in addition to these.) from Andrew Carnegie There is no use whatever in trying to help people who do not help themselves. You cannot push Read more
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