Battling Through Uncertainty

My soul waiteth for the Lord more than they that watch for the morning: I say, more than they that watch for the morning.

Psalm 130:6 (KJV)

Without batting an eye, I can tell you the top three most nerve-wrecking moments in college:

1. The first day of class ever as a freshman…For me, it was a typical scene from a college movie. A gloomy, rainy day, and I walked into the wrong room for French. I survived, and it wasn’t really embarrassing.
2. When final grades are posted. Even if you know your grade, something about those email notifications are absolutely unsettling. But you learn to just log in, take a look, and breathe.
3. Starting your paper the day it’s due. There’s no better adrenaline rush than knowing you have 5 1/2 hours to write a research paper on a topic you haven’t actually researched.

These three instances have something in common: UNCERTAINTY. There was no worse feeling in those moments than thinking: What’s about to happen!? I’ve done all I can, and I have no control in this!

Beyond the classroom, uncertainty hits us in other areas of our lives. Our purpose: Am I following God’s will for my life? Our relationships: What if I don’t get married? Am I going to have solid friendships? Our finances: How am I going to pay this bill? How soon am I going to get another job? It can be completely overwhelming. Yes, God promises He will provide for us, but does that mean He will specifically answer a prayer we’ve been requesting for days, weeks, or years?

Here’s your job in uncertainty: 1. Pray – Give your heart to God. 2. Prepare – Obey His commandments, strengthen your faith. 3. Believe – He’s on it! Relax.

I don’t know God’s specific path for your life. I don’t know God’s specific path for my life. We might have a clear sense of our desires, but that doesn’t mean we know when or if God will give them to us. This is where uncertainty strikes. Then comes panic and perhaps frustration, depression, and other feelings that can trap you in despair.

God knows your desires, and He’s given us desires. As long as your desires are biblical, know that it’s okay to have them. Often times, these desires point us to our God-given purpose. However, when your needs become greater than your desire for God, disaster strikes!

Uncertainty will happen because we’re human, and God knows this. Remember when Jesus calms the storm as He and the disciples cross the Sea of Galilee? I’m sure He knew that when the storm hit, the disciples would also be hit with doubt. But notice that the Lord makes a promise to them before the storm appears: “Let us go over unto the other side of the lake” (Luke 8:22 KJV).

Of course, when the winds come, the disciples forget this promise and let fear overtake them: “Master, master, we perish.” (v. 24). God still quiets the storm and allows them to reach their destination, but he asks, “Where is your faith?” (v. 25).

God is working on your behalf right now. He will answer you, I assure you. He will provide. Repeat this to yourself: He will provide for me. Just as the Lord promised the disciples that they’d reach the other side of the sea, He has promised that He will never leave nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). That promise came to pass, and it’s only a matter of time that God’s provisions for you will manifest. Whenever you feel impatient or discouraged, reorient yourself to believe in God. You need to believe first that God is enough for you. You will find that patience comes easily when you know that you are taken care of and loved by your Savior. Nothing else will top that.

Please, take heart, and don’t give up. If you don’t desire God like you used to, it’s time to fall back in love again. Ask God to help you see Him and enjoy Him during this season–for fresh eyes, new assignments in your life, discernment in making decisions. Idleness often leads to discontentment, so get busy! Learn how to talk to God. Spend the hours you spend wondering how your life could be different by instead learning the Word, growing in your weaknesses, and completing the tasks He has given you to do.

Let go of what you think needs to happen. You won’t have all the answers at all times, so what makes you think you know what needs to happen? Enjoy your everyday life, and exhale knowing this: You don’t have to worry about doing God’s job.

(Phew.)

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

(2 Timothy 1:7 KJV)