If you have followed this blog/podcast you know that I have been concerned about the advancement of socialism in the United States, government overreach, human rights abuses, a worsening economy, censorship of the truth, and intensifying opposition to Christians and the gospel. In addition, the possibility of me having to change jobs or careers, to home school my son, or to move because of coercive mandates in my state has weighed on me. I know the high school students I teach have been concerned also although they might not be able to pinpoint why. Many of them are feeling fatigued and somewhat hopeless due to fallout from the pandemic and future uncertainty. How are you doing? Do you feel wiped out? Are you uncertain and anxious about the future? In working through the difficulties of the last couple of years, I’ve become more assured of the following truth and I try to rest in it. Although we don’t know what the future holds, we can know and have complete confidence in God who holds the future. God will mightily and lovingly accomplish his purposes in the world and in anyone who trusts him.
Yield
Because God is so wise, faithful, powerful, and benevolent you can surrender the need to know why, when, or how regarding the future and just rest assured in his presence and providence. People, including me, tend to worry about the future because of the pain and suffering it may bring or because things might not turn out the way we want them to. If you release that fear and that desire for self-fulfillment or control in favor of letting God act in your best interest, then uncertainty changes from being a threat to an asset. Deny yourself and depend on God. Relent and rely. Yield, take his yoke upon you and learn from him. You can still petition God and you should. Share your feelings and preferences, but also recognize how awesome he is, thank him for what he has done, and reverently defer to his perfect will. Jesus demonstrated this loving humility and trust in the garden of Gethsemane before his betrayal, arrest, and crucifixion. Under extreme duress in facing the overwhelming task of bearing the sin of the world and being forsaken by his Father, Jesus prayed, “Abba, Father, everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will” (Mark 14:36). Although it was necessary for Jesus to suffer and die to save the world. God, the Father, strengthened him for that task and then resurrected him from the dead. There may be challenges you are facing right now which you aren’t sure about. There will definitely be challenges in the future which are cloaked in uncertainty. But don’t fear or worry. Instead let them be opportunities to grow in certainty of God, to glorify God, and to demonstrate God’s love and salvation even though you may not know how God is going to bring that about.
Expect
Accepting uncertainty is not only a chance to submit your will and fear to God, but it is also an opportunity to rejoice. God promises to bring all things together for good for those who love him and are called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28). Although you may not know how or when, God will act at just the right time and in just the right way. So you can joyfully expect him to lovingly administer justice and mercy. God will complete his work of faith in you so you become all you are meant to be in Jesus (Philippians 1:6). Approach uncertainty with a child-like faith of loyalty, hope, trust, and obedience recognizing that your identity, fulfillment, security, and love are found in God, your Abba, Father. Abraham demonstrated this kind of faith when God tested him. Abraham was willing to sacrifice his son, Isaac, because he was sure God would somehow do what’s right and provide a way to save his son. God honored his faith, saved Isaac, blessed Abraham, and reconfirmed that through his offspring all the nations of the earth would be blessed (Genesis 22:1-18). Given Abraham’s example and numerous others throughout the Bible, when facing uncertainty you can confidently and joyfully expect God to intervene. “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:4-7).
Act
One of the challenges posed by uncertainty is not knowing what course of action to take. Understandably people typically want some type of confirmation, or want to know what to expect before making a decision or taking action. Gideon was that way when God called him to help deliver Israel from the Midianites (Judges 6-7). He repeatedly asked God to confirm what he was to do. Although Gideon should have more readily obeyed, God patiently worked with him to build his faith. Along the way he learned to do the next right thing. That’s an excellent lesson. Even though God may not reveal his entire plan or complete will for you, you can and should always do the next right thing he shows you. That’s what Abraham did. He obeyed and trusted the results to God, even when he didn’t understand why or how God would work. As you take the step shown you in faith, God will disclose the next step. As you walk this way God teaches you, strengthens you, transforms you into the likeness of Jesus, and prepares you for how you will reign and serve in his kingdom throughout eternity. Along the way consider journaling what you learn. Over the years it is a powerful witness to you and those that come after you of God’s faithful providence and love. They key is don’t let what you don’t know keep you from doing what you do know. Act on the knowledge you have been given. Then rest, wait, and rely on God to show you what’s next in using the time, talents, and treasures he has given you to glorify him and serve others.
There is a divine freedom and peace that comes with accepting uncertainty. Doing so enables you to exchange fear and worry for confidence in God. This confidence fosters a joyful expectation that God will accomplish his purposes in you and in this world. Letting go of the need to know when, how or why releases you to joyfully act on what God has already commanded. Living by faith, certain of God in uncertain times, allows him to transform you into all you are meant to be in Jesus and to save others through you. To God be all glory.