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.
-
Happy Labor Day and that’s just what we’re doing
Don’t know what you’re doing today but we are living up to the title, we are “laboring”. We came home from the cabin for a couple of days last week to regroup. Friday the electrician came and wired the room so we moved the bed into our official new bedroom. We had the windows replaced Read more
-
The worst fear for a recovering depressive.
You know what it is. Think about it for a minute. If you are recovering from depression, your worst fear is that you will fail. If you have been depression-free for a while, your worst fear is that you will fall into that pit again. Let’s be clear. If you’ve never been seriously depressed, you have Read more
-
Pain hurts. Now there’s a “Duh”.
I have the greatest empathy for anyone who suffers chronic pain. It’s no fun. As you know, I’ve had numerous foot surgeries. For the past two years, I’ve been able to walk without limping and without pain. Until yesterday. Even the limp is back. Needless to say, I’ve been discouraged. There’s pain in places in Read more
-
Thank you
Thank you, Joji and all other recent followers who don’t have blogs or websites for me to say “Thank You”. So, “Thank you,” and God bless each of you.A special prayer today for all the survivors of Hurricane Harvey. I know all of my followers are doing what they can, and however they can, to Read more
-
Yea! The bedroom is almost done.
Yea. Things are progressing pretty much on schedule. A contractor finishing his work ahead of time. What alternative world am I living in? Plus, the cost. Looks like it’s right on target. Was painted yesterday. Polar Bear White my Behr. At least that’s what the lady in the paint department said during the first go-round. Read more
-
Tailor-make your depression recovery plan
Here’s the thing. Everyone’s different. No surprise there, huh? Everyone’s different “looks” and feels different. Maybe a little surprise there. There are certain hallmark strategies for recovery that will benefit most people on their way to recovery. No surprise there. But just like the unique people we are, some of the recovery strategies that you Read more
Discover more from goodthoughtsgoodlives
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
