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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an alphabet of thanks “V”
(OK. I do know my alphabet. How “U” got published before “T”, I don’t have a clue.) Anyway………today I’m thankful for all the “voices” in my life. The voices that encourage me. The voices that challenge me. The voices that make me grow up. The voices that soothe me. The voices that calm me down. Read more
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an alphabet of thanks “T”
Tough Times. Double “T”. No, I am not a saint because I say this. I don’t like tough times anymore than the next person. I wouldn’t purposefully choose tough times. And certainly it depends what tough times we’re talking about. I am not referring to terminal illness, death, unemployment etc., But I am referring to Read more
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an alphabet of thanks “U”
As we’ve gone through this renovation, I’ve learned that the pieces I still love are the ones that were never mass-produced. They are the ones that I don’t see in anyone else’s home. I’ve got some pieces I’ve had for many years and they still “work” because they are unique. Like the big copper bowl Read more
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a new study about depression-Really?
I love it when the media describes something as “new research” or the “latest findings”. Especially when it isn’t new and especially when it’s about depression. Now sometimes it is new research but honestly I can’t think of any research that has been touted as new in the last five years that I haven’t already know and Read more
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an alphabet of thanks “S”
Scarves. I’m thankful for scarves. I have at least thirty of them. Many of them, I’ve knitted or crocheted myself. For a number of years, I made scarves for our local rescue mission. I’m not bragging but I’m a “speed” knitter. It only takes me a couple of hours and it’s a great way to Read more
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an alphabet of thanks “R”
Today I’m thankful for rain. Rainy days seems to suggest I should putz around the house and indulge myself in hot tea and a book. Rainy days give me pause. Rainy days remind me the sun will return. Rainy days make me feel peaceful. Rainy days remind me Who is really in charge. Discover more Read more
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