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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Fifty shades of pumpkins.
I thought I’d share some pictures I have edited with my photo-to-art program. ‘ This first one is the original. The rest are edited through a program called, “ It’s really fun to play around with images this way. I have a number of such programs on my phone but this one is my favorite. Read more
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When our own prayer surprises us.
Our prayers can surprise us. The prayer I’d been praying about something. The outcome would affect me. Meaning that I would have to accept the answer. I’ve also been praying in bed before I even get up. I call them my rising prayers. I’m tracking them in my BUJO (bullet journal). I’ve been pretty consistent Read more
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How being a reader can make an author.
Books Reading is a prerequisite for becoming an author. Being a reader is what makes an author. This is practically the first rule for all writers. Read and then read some more. This is another post I wrote a few years ago. I’m reposting it today because there is a direct link between this post Read more
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Cutest pumpkins for a dollar.
I love making pumpkins from the DT styrofoam forms. You know which ones. Dollar tree has them again this year. Won’t bother with a tutorial because they are all over Pinterest. But here’s quick one just in case you don’t use Pinterest. Take an 18” piece of fabric (round is probably easier than square but Read more
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A hard but important truth about prayer.
From E.M.Boounds: “Prayer which does not result in right thinking and right living, is a farce. We miss the whole point of prayer if it fails to purge character and change conduct. The character of the inner life is a condition of effectual praying. As is the life, so will the praying be. An inconsistent Read more
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