Uncertainty is an opportunity for Faith
I've always been an person who thinks about the future, albeit very rarely is it not accompanied with out anxiety. It's always been part of me, excessively worrying about potential future events. I thank God for my wife, she has a gift to ground me and bring me back to reality when those times of worry and fear come. That's the thing about fear though, it has a way of creeping in when life feels the most unstable. Whether it's financial struggles, health concerns, relationship issues, or in my case the uncertainty of the future, worry can weigh heavy on our hearts. It's those whispers of doubts that fuel anxiety, and make us question if things will ever be okay. If you’ve ever found yourself awake at night, staring at the ceiling, running through all the ‘what-ifs,’ you’re not alone.
But alas, here’s the truth-
fear is not from God.
Scripture reminds us over and over, “Do not be afraid.” Now, I'm not sure how true this is, but I've heard it said that variations of this command of not fearing appear 365 times in the Bible—one for every day of the year. I hope it's true, because that would make a great sermon, but either way - the bible does remind us to not fear quite a few times. God knew we would struggle with fear, but He also gave us His promises to anchor our hearts when uncertainty tries to shake our faith.
Let's be honest, It’s easy to trust God when life is smooth, but real faith is forged in the fire of uncertainty. There's a story in Mark 4:35-41 that tells us that the disciples were caught in a violent storm while Jesus slept in the boat (He must've been uber tired of all the parables he was sharing with the crowds earlier that day). Anyways, while they were caught in that violent storm they panicked and thought that they would drown, but Jesus woke up, rebuked the wind and the waves, and said, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”
We are often like those disciples—overwhelmed by the storm, forgetting that Jesus is in the boat with us. Fear has a way to blind us to His presence, making us feel like He’s taking a nap on our problems. But He never is. He is always in control, even when the waves seem too high and the winds too strong.
I want you to understand this "Having faith does not mean that you won't have fear; Having faith is choosing to trust God despite the present fear." The enemy wants us to live in fear because fear paralyzes. It stops us from moving forward, and ultimately from believing the promises we read in scripture. But faith pushes back. Faith declares that God is greater than any obstacle, stronger than any worry, and faithful in every circumstance.
So how do we keep our faith anchored in uncertain times? Here are a few ways that I've been able to be grounded.
Let's be honest, It’s easy to trust God when life is smooth, but real faith is forged in the fire of uncertainty. There's a story in Mark 4:35-41 that tells us that the disciples were caught in a violent storm while Jesus slept in the boat (He must've been uber tired of all the parables he was sharing with the crowds earlier that day). Anyways, while they were caught in that violent storm they panicked and thought that they would drown, but Jesus woke up, rebuked the wind and the waves, and said, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”
We are often like those disciples—overwhelmed by the storm, forgetting that Jesus is in the boat with us. Fear has a way to blind us to His presence, making us feel like He’s taking a nap on our problems. But He never is. He is always in control, even when the waves seem too high and the winds too strong.
I want you to understand this "Having faith does not mean that you won't have fear; Having faith is choosing to trust God despite the present fear." The enemy wants us to live in fear because fear paralyzes. It stops us from moving forward, and ultimately from believing the promises we read in scripture. But faith pushes back. Faith declares that God is greater than any obstacle, stronger than any worry, and faithful in every circumstance.
So how do we keep our faith anchored in uncertain times? Here are a few ways that I've been able to be grounded.
1. Read and trust God’s Word – When fear rises, drown it out with Scripture. Meditate on those promises like Isaiah 41:10: “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
2. Pray and be honest with God – He isn’t afraid of your fears. Bring them to Him. Pour out your worries in prayer and allow His peace to guard your heart.
3. Surround Yourself with Faith-Filled People – Community matters, my friends. Find people who will encourage you, pray with you, and remind you of God’s goodness when your faith feels weak. Stay away from Negative Nancy and her cousin Debbie Downer.
4. Remember What God Has Already Done – Think back on the times God has come through for you before. A great song that emphasizes this is the song If He was faithful then, He will be faithful now by Vertical Worship.
The truth is, my friends that we don’t know what tomorrow holds, but we know Who holds it. That’s not just a comforting or cliche phrase; it’s a reality. The God who parted the Red Sea, fed thousands with a few loaves and fish, and raised Jesus from the dead is the same God who walks with us today.
2. Pray and be honest with God – He isn’t afraid of your fears. Bring them to Him. Pour out your worries in prayer and allow His peace to guard your heart.
3. Surround Yourself with Faith-Filled People – Community matters, my friends. Find people who will encourage you, pray with you, and remind you of God’s goodness when your faith feels weak. Stay away from Negative Nancy and her cousin Debbie Downer.
4. Remember What God Has Already Done – Think back on the times God has come through for you before. A great song that emphasizes this is the song If He was faithful then, He will be faithful now by Vertical Worship.
The truth is, my friends that we don’t know what tomorrow holds, but we know Who holds it. That’s not just a comforting or cliche phrase; it’s a reality. The God who parted the Red Sea, fed thousands with a few loaves and fish, and raised Jesus from the dead is the same God who walks with us today.
No Comments