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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dinner last night
OK. I’m not a great cook but I’m a heck of a lot better than I once thought. Take last night’s meal, for example. I can’t believe I’m going to actually show you the step by step and the final result. Can I just remind you, I’m not a photographer. I’m going to learn to Read more
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what is enough?
Today is a tough one. For a family I care deeply for and for myself and my husband. We’ve been trying to help someone this past week dig themselves out of their pit. We’ve said and done everything we know to say or do. But there’s still that question-did we say and do enough? I Read more
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funny quote
A joke to start your day. “It’s better to not name your kids, that way you won’t get used to them.” Anonymous Discover more from goodthoughtsgoodlives Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email. Type your email… Subscribe Rebecca Hi. I’m so glad you’re here. My blog focuses on faith and mental health Read more
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Does any one person really matter?
(This was a difficult post to write; it might be diffiuclt to read. Just wanted to give you a heads-up. Does any one person matter? If the world has one less person, does it make a difference? Really, does it? If you’re one of those people who thinks your life doesn’t matter in the scheme of things, Read more
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give love meaning
Found this over at Bryan Pattersons Faithworks and just had to share it with his permission, of course) …love is just a word until someone comes along and gives it meaning.” It was written by writer Paulo Coelho. For sure, I’m going to have to read some of his books. Isn’t it a wonderful statement. It’s so Read more
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serendipitous moments
Short post today. Cleaning a room and ran across some notes I wrote on a scrap of paper. Almost threw it away but then thought, “Hey, why not post it.?” “Sometimes depression takes hold of us because because we have a gift or talent that we let lay dormant. We feel we’ll seem prideful if Read more
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