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.
-
Why we all need a “guilt-free” zone.
Last Saturday, during my week in review, I mentioned I came up with an original phrase that I am now claiming as my own. I’ve never read it anywhere but I was having a conversation with someone and there it was escaping my lips and I thought, “Wow. I really like this.” The more I thought Read more
-
Finally, a shattered political ceiling
I am a conservative. (You notice I didn’t say I’m a Trump fan.) I don’t like big government. Period. I don’t like big government. Period. But as a woman I couldn’t be happier that a woman has finally been nominated for the presidency of the greatest nation on earth, even if I’m not nuts about Read more
-
How we rebel against change and how to recognize it.
I recently posted a number of posts about change and how there is one thing we shouldn’t change. As much as we might want to change, we need to admit that we are all resistant to change. In his book Changed Into His Image, by Jim Berg, Berg refers to this resistance as rebellion. Berg Read more
-
Please read this if you use Linseed oil or Tung oil
I usually don’t post twice but this is important. Summer is a time we engage in a lot of projects that involve was, Linseed oil, Tung oil. and other such products. I’ve read some posts lately where these items are suggested for projects. The author of these posts never warns of the dangers or suggests Read more
-
A fantastic recipe you must try. I did and it was great!
(Forgive the “busy” background this week. But I just had to add some flowers. Summer is fading fast. Hope it’s not too distracting.) I think I mentioned a couple of weeks ago that I’ve decided to become a “gourmet” cook. (Do keep the “gourmet” in parenthesis). Anyway, I made my first “Galette” a few weeks Read more
-
the week in review and silly political controversies
Last week was a nice week. Spend most of the week at the cabin. It was relaxing and I thought of a new term I want to post about in the future. I like this phrase a lot. I think I’m the first to coin it. I don’t recall ever reading it anywhere. So don’t Read more
Discover more from goodthoughtsgoodlives
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
